National Service Authority Cracks Down on Fraudulent Allowance Claims
The National Service Authority (NSA) has suspended two senior officers in Birim North District, Eastern Region, after uncovering a payroll fraud scheme. The District Manager and Management Information Systems Manager admitted to validating fake National Service claims, enabling ineligible individuals to receive monthly allowances.
Following a whistleblower tip and collaboration with NSA officials, evidence showed the officers falsely validated 29 individuals in the 2024/2025 service year and 49 in 2023/2024. These individuals, either on paid study leave or employed full-time, were misrepresented as active National Service personnel, breaching the Public Services Commission Act, 1994.
The NSA highlighted that such fraud is a widespread issue, with thousands nationwide potentially receiving allowances while holding jobs in sectors like teaching and nursing. To address this, the Authority is implementing stricter verification processes, including cross-checks with the Controller and the Accountant-General’s Department to detect dual remuneration.
Individuals involved must stop submitting allowance forms and report to the NSA regional offices by May 23, 2025, for rectification. Non-compliance will result in public identification and possible prosecution. Director-General Felix Gyamfi emphasized that enhanced systems will expose all offenders, reinforcing the NSA’s commitment to transparency.