Former National Service CEO allegedly paid an MP to kill ‘ghost names’ scandal – AG

The Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, made a serious allegation. He stated that the Chief Executive of the National Service Scheme (NSS) paid a Ghanaian MP to hide a scandal. This scandal involves ghost names in the NSS.

At a press conference on Monday, Dr. Ayine shared new evidence. His office found financial transactions involving NSS executives and vendors. These transactions were linked to attempts to cover up fraud.

Dr. Ayine said, "We have evidence of payments made into accounts of top executives." He added that these payments came from vendors and staff of the scheme.

He also alleged that in November 2024, the NSS CEO paid an MP to suppress the ghost names story. The goal was to bury it in the media and defend those involved.

"This is a developing story," he noted, promising more information soon. The scandal includes thousands of ghost names on the NSS payroll and has led to further investigations.

Dr. Ayine did not name the implicated MP but hinted at more revelations ahead. This situation is part of the government's Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) program.

Last month, President John Mahama announced actions against those involved in this scandal. During his State of the Nation Address on February 27, he instructed investigative bodies to trace assets linked to suspects.

He emphasized that anyone who fled would be declared wanted for accountability. "I have tasked our investigative bodies to bring culprits to justice," he stated.

President Mahama highlighted that over 80,000 ghost names could have cost GH¢50 million monthly. Some suspects have already left Ghana; their assets will be frozen until investigations conclude.

The scandal was uncovered after an audit of the National Service Authority (NSA). It revealed fake names on payrolls, allowing corrupt officials to steal funds meant for real personnel.

Investigations showed collusion among high-ranking NSS officials and payroll administrators creating fictitious workers for salary withdrawals.