Over 2,000 ghost names deleted from NSA payroll in fraud cleanup exercise

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

This effort aims to improve transparency and eliminate fraud in the national service scheme.

Felix Gyamfi, the Director-General of the NSA, shared that data management processes have been strengthened.

Service personnel records will now be checked against the Controller and Accountant General’s Department. This will help prevent duplication and unauthorized entries.

Gyamfi warned individuals on other payrolls not to submit allowance forms this month. He stated that anyone trying to defraud the system will face arrest. The NSA is working closely with the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) and security agencies.

This cleanup follows an investigation ordered by President John Dramani Mahama. It revealed 81,885 suspected ghost names on the NSA payroll. The discovery came from a nationwide headcount of active national service personnel, confirmed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

An audit by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson aimed to reconcile service allowance arrears dating back to August 2024.

The ghost names scandal was first reported in November 2024 by The Fourth Estate.

In related news, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine announced charges against former NSA directors in early May 2025.

Former Executive Director Osei Assibey Antwi was interrogated on March 20 for alleged involvement in the fraud.

The National Service Authority continues to implement measures to protect public resources and ensure integrity in managing the national service scheme.