GH¢1m saved as NSA purges payroll of 2,000 ghost workers

The National Service Authority (NSA) has removed over 2,000 ghost names from its payroll. This action is expected to save the state more than GH¢1 million.

Felix Gyamfi, the Director-General of the NSA, spoke about this development. He said the payroll cleanup aims to promote transparency and reduce fraud in the national service scheme.

Going forward, service personnel data will be shared with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department. This will help prevent duplication and unauthorized entries.

Mr. Gyamfi warned those already on another payroll not to submit allowance forms. He mentioned that they are working with security agencies to catch anyone trying to defraud the system.

This announcement follows President John Dramani Mahama's directive for an investigation into 81,885 suspected ghost names on the NSA’s payroll.

On April 30th, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine announced that former NSA directors would face charges in May 2025.

Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu explained that this issue was found during a nationwide headcount of active national service personnel.

The headcount was ordered by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as part of an audit to clear outstanding service allowance arrears from August 2024.

These irregularities were first reported by The Fourth Estate in November 2024.

On March 20th, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) questioned former NSA Executive Director Osei Assibey Antwi about his role in the fraud case.

Other NSS officials have also been interrogated and are awaiting prosecution by the State.