Audio By Carbonatix Prince Ganaku, lawyer for Mr Frank Oliver Kpodo, says his client feels vindicated following his clearance by the Auditor-General’s Office for the wrongly attributed GH¢427,995,661.40 in unearned salaries to a single public servant. However, he insisted that the ordeal had caused significant reputational harm that could have been avoided with due diligence. The Auditor-General’s Office has withdrawn a major error in its nationwide payroll audit report, admitting that it wrongly attributed GH¢427,995,661.40 in unearned salaries to a single public servant. In a press release dated April 21, 2026, the Office clarified that the amount was not received by Mr Kpodo, but rather related to payroll irregularities involving 3,476 unaccounted staff under the Ministry of Education. Speaking in an interview on Joy FM's Middaynews, Mr Kpodo's lawyer said the impact has been severe, citing widespread circulation of the claims on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). He also noted that despite official clarification from the Audit Service and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, The Fourth Estate is yet to retract or update the original publication.“This is not fair,” he stated. “It has caused horrendous reputational damage. All you need to do is go on Twitter—now X—look up the post about him, and read the replies. Some have even taken screenshots and circulated them widely across the world. "You might not even be online today to see that the Audit Service or other authorities have issued clarifications. Yet, up to now, the Fourth Estate has not corrected the post or issued a rejoinder to say, ‘No, this is inaccurate,’ even after both the Audit Service and the Comptroller and Accountant-General have cleared him. This is not fair.” He described the development as “a good thing when the truth comes to light,” but criticised the circumstances leading to the publication of the initial claims. According to him, Mr Kpodo had engaged journalists from The Fourth Estate before the publication and had indicated that the alleged payments were impossible under the existing controls at the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department. He also pointed out that his client had evidence, including payslips, to refute the claims. However, the lawyer argued that the story was published prematurely on Monday morning, although supporting documents could not have been accessed on Sunday when the initial interaction took place. He further criticised the journalists’ handling of the story, describing the reported figure—GH¢14 million per month—as “outlandish” and one that should have triggered deeper verification. “It is incumbent upon journalists to seek clarification, especially on such extraordinary claims, before publication,” he stressed, adding that the failure to do so suggested disregard for potentially exculpatory evidence. DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Tags: Frank Oliver Kpodo payroll allegations DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Related to this story Defeamekpor calls for interdiction of Land Ministry’s director of finance Ex-Defence Ministry procurement director to face prosecution over GH¢4.8m scandal Latest Stories “We Serve, But We’re Stuck”: The silent struggle of a Ghanaian nurse5 minutes GES releases WASSCE practical funds to all Senior High Schools6 minutes He grew up with nothing. Now he is changing everything — From the streets of Ghana to Milton Keynes9 minutes ‘Horrendous damage done’ – Kpodo’s lawyer decries reputational fallout from GH¢427m payroll allegations11 minutes African leaders, security forces move to deliver lasting solutions to extremism and terrorism15 minutes Women and youth must lead Africa’s peace and security efforts — President Julius Maada Bio18 minutes Amoah, Saminu, Azamati headline Ghana squad for World Relays19 minutes Role of US officials killed in crash in Mexico under scrutiny21 minutes New Ghana–Mali shipping deal targets barriers to transit trade23 minutes Court of Appeal dismisses Wontumi’s renewed bid to halt Samreboi mining case29 minutes GES releases critical funds for perishable food procurement35 minutes Waste management in Ashanti may worsen as plastic recyclers shut down over new policies37 minutes Iran warns it has ‘new cards on the battlefield’ ahead of crucial peace talks and ceasefire deadline43 minutes NPA CEO champions women empowerment at launch of NAPET Ladies Week 202645 minutes What is Wrong with Us? When sirens become symbols of power rather than protection46 minutes