The National Service Authority (NSA) has successfully removed over 2,000 ghost names from its payroll, a move projected to save the state more than GH¢1 million annually, as part of a sweeping effort to crack down on payroll fraud and improve public sector transparency.
Felix Gyamfi, the NSA’s Director-General, announced the development, highlighting that the exercise aligns with the government’s broader strategy to reduce wasteful spending and enhance accountability across public institutions.
As part of the cleanup, the NSA will now share personnel data with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to prevent future instances of duplication and unauthorized payments. Gyamfi also issued a stern warning to individuals attempting to exploit the system.
“If you’re already on another payroll — whether as a police officer, immigration officer, or army officer — and you’re doing national service just to meet the requirement, do not submit your allowance form this month,” Gyamfi cautioned. “We are working closely with the NIB and other security agencies, and anyone caught defrauding the system will face arrest.”
The cleanup comes amid a broader investigation into payroll fraud at the NSA. On March 20, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) interrogated the former Executive Director of the NSA, Osei Assibey Antwi, regarding his alleged role in the scandal. The interrogation followed a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, who called for a full-scale investigation into the discovery of 81,885 suspected ghost names on the NSA payroll.
Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has since confirmed that former NSA directors implicated in the scandal will face formal charges in early May 2025. The charges follow a nationwide audit, commissioned by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, aimed at reconciling outstanding service allowance arrears and restoring public trust in the national service scheme.
The issue first came to public attention in November 2024, following an investigative report by The Fourth Estate, which exposed widespread payroll irregularities within the NSA.
This crackdown is expected to not only recover significant public funds but also serve as a warning to other public institutions grappling with similar financial inefficiencies.
