National Service Authority Targets Fraud with Payroll Cleanup
The National Service Authority (NSA) has eliminated over 2,000 ghost names from its payroll, a move projected to save Ghana over GH¢1 million, according to Director-General Felix Gyamfi. This cleanup is part of ongoing reforms to enhance transparency and curb fraud within the National Service Scheme, following revelations of significant payroll discrepancies.
To prevent future fraud, the NSA will share personnel data with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department for cross-verification, ensuring no duplicate or unauthorized entries. Gyamfi warned individuals already on other public payrolls, such as police or military officers, against submitting allowance forms, stating that collaboration with the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) and security agencies will lead to arrests for attempted fraud.
The initiative follows a 2024 audit, prompted by an investigation from The Fourth Estate, which uncovered 81,885 suspected ghost names on the NSA payroll, costing an estimated GH¢704.25 million annually. Commissioned by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to clear allowance arrears from August 2024, the audit revealed only 98,145 legitimate personnel out of 180,030 names submitted, exposing systemic mismanagement.
President John Dramani Mahama ordered a full NIB investigation into the scandal, and on April 30, 2025, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine announced that former NSA directors implicated in the fraud will face charges in early May 2025. Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu emphasized the government’s commitment to accountability, with reforms underway to strengthen payroll controls and restore public trust.