NSA deletes over 2,000 ghost names, saves GH¢1m

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 NSA's Director-General, announced this cleanup effort. It aims to improve transparency and reduce fraud within the scheme.

He stated that service personnel data will be shared with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department. This will help prevent duplication and unauthorized entries.

Gyamfi warned those already on another payroll not to submit allowance forms. This includes police officers, immigration officers, and army officers doing national service.

He emphasized that anyone attempting to defraud the system will face arrest. The NSA is now working closely with the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) and other security agencies.

On April 30, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine announced charges against former NSA directors. These charges relate to the ghost names scandal and are set for May 2025.

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

The issue was discovered during a nationwide headcount of active national service personnel. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesperson, confirmed this information.

An audit commissioned by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson aimed to clear outstanding service allowance arrears from August 2024.

The problem first emerged in an investigative report by The Fourth Estate in November 2024.

On March 20, NIB interrogated former NSA Executive Director Osei Assibey Antwi about his alleged involvement in payroll fraud. He attended with his lawyer after being invited for questioning.