The Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has strongly opposed proposals by the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) to grant autonomy to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD), warning that such a move could disrupt the country’s fiscal management framework.

At a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, March 4, CLOGSAG’s Executive Secretary, Mr Bampoe Addo, maintained that the CAGD must continue to function under the administrative authority of the Ministry of Finance rather than be elevated to the status of an independent constitutional institution.

He argued that detaching the department from the Finance Ministry risks blurring institutional lines and undermining effective coordination of public finances.

According to him, the CAGD plays a central role in executing government fiscal policy and must therefore remain within the ministry that oversees national financial administration.

Mr Addo also took issue with another CRC recommendation that seeks to empower the Council of State to recruit, scrutinise and submit binding nominations to the President for the appointment of the Controller and Accountant-General.

He cautioned that such an arrangement could alter the existing balance within the executive structure.

While expressing support for strengthened parliamentary scrutiny, Mr Addo welcomed proposals for Parliament to exercise oversight through its appropriate committees, in line with the law.

However, he stressed that ministerial supervision of the department should remain the preserve of the Finance Ministry.