I have listened with keen interest some purported resistance from the Labour front after the Controller and Accountant General's Department (CAGD) announced the use of the e-zwich system as the new mode of payment for workers under its jurisdiction.

I use "purported" because, I have only heard and read some articles from some local news sites, and cannot say for sure if all the members of the labour unions cited in the news items are indeed against the initiative.

It is unclear, the "issues" these workers have against the new payment mode but as a citizen of this country, I applaud the CAGD for this bold steps. Finally, they are ready to drive the "ghost" to where they belong; the unknown land—where hopefully, no one will find them "again".

We have over the years bemoaned the whopping sums of money the country looses to non-existent "workers"; at the expense of the tax payer and young energetic graduates who leave our Universities every year and do not get jobs because salaries meant for them are being paid to ghost who are nowhere to be found. Yet we are resisting the very change that is likely to help eliminate and stop activities of fraudsters who are constantly inviting and engaging the "dead" in the affairs of the living.It's obvious that some people who are perhaps afraid the new system may either expose them or put an end to their corrupt and fictitious practices are inciting labour unions against the initiative. My assertion may be wrong but there is a high probability.

I can understand that sudden change is not always pleasant but after the testimonials from the NSS and adoption of the e-zwich system by some other government institutions; as an ideal payment platform, CAGD has not erred in opting for the platform and wanting to make a change in its processes. May be change management has not been handled well but that can always be corrected.

In 2015, the National Service Secretariat embraced the same change that some workers under the CAGD are resisting. According to the NSS boss, the system helped eliminate about 35,000 ghost names; saving the country ¢146million. This obviously is impressive. I can already imagine the success story from a Department bedeviled with a lot of irregularities on its payroll. At least, it took the NSS a massive corruption scandal for them to embrace the change. Let's not wish that for the CAGD.

e-zwich has been in Ghana since 2008. It is an initiative by the Bank of Ghana through its subsidiary, GhIPSS; and not a private venture as I have read from some news site. The cashlite agenda by the Central Bank, gave birth to the biometric card which is issued by all commercial and rural banks; as well as savings and loans companies in the country.  In any case, how different is the case of the CAGD from NSS? Do we want the CAGD to be hit with massive corruption before we wake up to the reality? I don't think so. Change can be difficult but some are necessary and urgent.

The Payment System

e-zwich is a biometric smart card that uses biometric authentication to uniquely identify every individual. Once you register for an e-zwich card, you are assigned a number that is unique to you. That number is linked to your biometric details and can be found on your card.

I understand that CAGD workers are expected to get a card from the bank where they currently have their traditional account. This will enable controller link their e-zwich cards to their bank account. So while they still get their monies in their account, payment of salaries will be made through the card so controller can take advantage of the biometric features of the e-zwich platform to eliminate duplications and inconsistencies on the payroll. The implication then is that, if on the current CAGD payroll, one has different account numbers under different names, CAGD will now be able to detect that and stop all payment to the other accounts. Again e-zwich numbers will be used for validation and authentication before payment; fraudulent activities will be eliminated if not reduced drastically.

The 10% that will sit on the card can be taken from any Commercial or Rural Bank, Savings & Loans Company across the Country the same day salaries are paid. I think this gives workers an upper hand. If you have a facility with your bank, you still get to fulfill all requirement while enjoying the new privileges the new system brings.

Mitigating against challenges

Challenges that are associated with technology may not be inevitable but it is expected that Banks will make sure they make live comfortable for workers. Taking advantage of the experience of the National Service Secretariat, CAGD should make sure that all stakeholders perform their duties diligently. I use an e-zwich card and I have had to endure some unpleasant receptions at banking halls. GhIPSS should provide delivery channels that will reduce peoples reliance on banks for accessing funds. Again, since these cards are provided by banks, I assume any funds on the cards serve as float for them; for that matter they should change their attitude towards the platform and work with CAGD to ensure the success of this exercise

Education

CAGD as matter of urgency should partner with banks as well as the e-zwich infrastructure providers to embark on massive education exercise so all parties can understand what they are getting involved in. Lack of knowledge can be very frustrating, especially when people are ready to learn but cannot have access to information. CAGD can avoid any labour unrest if people understand what they are getting into.

Lessons for Government

We live in a Country where change is nearly impossible in election year. I hope that the Controller and Accountant General's Department will stand their grounds and not allow the issues that are emerging from the labour front to deter them from embracing change. Rather than sweeping the change under the carpet, CAGD should address all the issues and work together with GhIPSS and all Financial Institutions to make this change a reality.