The National Service Authority (NSA) has moved swiftly to suspend two senior officials in its Birim North District office, following the discovery of a significant payroll fraud scheme involving ghost names and fake allowances.
In a press statement dated May 14, and signed by the Director General, Mr. Felix Gyamfi, the NSA revealed that the fraudulent activities were uncovered through a tip-off from a whistleblower. The implicated officials, the District Manager and the Management Information Systems (MIS) Manager, have been interdicted pending further investigations.
Whistleblower Exposes Ghost Names Scam
According to the NSA, the two officials were confronted with substantial evidence during a meeting earlier in the day, where they admitted to validating and processing allowances for ghost personnel.
“The two officers admitted to their direct involvement in the fraudulent activity, which included the processing of allowances for at least 29 ghost personnel in the 2024/2025 service year and 49 others in the 2023/2024 cycle,” the statement disclosed.
These ghost personnel were either on study leave with pay or were full-time employees elsewhere but had been falsely presented as active national service personnel, collecting monthly allowances to which they were not entitled.
Systemic Issue Extends Beyond Birim North
The NSA further acknowledged that this issue is not limited to the Birim North office but reflects a broader systemic challenge within the national service scheme. The statement noted that the practice of enrolling ghost names is widespread, involving public and private sector workers who conceal their permanent employment status to illegally benefit from service allowances.
“Many of these individuals are known to be permanent staff in sectors like education, health, and security, yet they fraudulently enroll as regular national service personnel to receive monthly stipends,” the statement added.
Commitment to Reforms and Accountability
In response, the NSA has pledged to intensify its ongoing reforms aimed at eliminating payroll fraud and strengthening internal controls. The Authority reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct and assured the public that it would pursue all necessary actions to hold those involved accountable.
“We remain committed to sanitizing our payroll systems and ensuring that the national service program serves its intended purpose of providing genuine work experience to young Ghanaians,” Mr. Gyamfi stated.
The Authority has also called on members of the public to report any suspected fraud, promising to protect whistleblowers who come forward with credible information.
