'You will be found out, shamed and prosecuted' - NSA uncovers payroll fraud ring in Birim North

A major payroll fraud scheme has been uncovered in the Birim North District. The National Service Authority (NSA) calls it a “dastardly act” and a betrayal of public trust.

Two senior officers have been suspended. They are the District Manager and the MIS Manager. Both confessed to creating an illegal payment system for ineligible service personnel, according to an NSA press release.

Felix Gyamfi, Director-General of the NSA, stated this is not just a disciplinary issue. He called it a breach of public trust and a violation of the National Service Act.

The two officials manipulated records to process payments for 29 individuals this year. They also processed payments for 49 others from last year’s service cycle. Many were already employed or on paid study leave but were fraudulently enrolled as regular personnel.

“These were not mistakes,” said the NSA statement. “They were calculated acts of deception.” The officials admitted their involvement after being presented with substantial evidence.

This scandal is part of a larger issue threatening the credibility of the service scheme nationwide. The NSA reported ongoing reforms and uncovered troubling trends involving falsified records by various public servants.

Some permanent employees register as National Service Personnel to receive allowances while still drawing salaries from their main jobs. This practice violates public service laws.

“For clarity, ‘Study Leave’ or ‘Employed National Service Personnel’ cannot receive monthly allowances,” clarified the NSA statement. Many collude with district managers to change their status and siphon funds.

The Authority cited Section 12 of the Public Services Commission Act, warning that such conduct undermines legal standards for public officers.

“This is unlawful enrichment and misappropriation of funds,” warned the NSA. They will address these issues with full legal force against anyone attempting fraud.

To combat this, stricter verification protocols will be implemented. These will cross-check enrolment data against the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department database to expose identity falsification and double payments.

The NSA directed all involved individuals to stop submitting allowance forms immediately. They must report voluntarily to regional offices by May 23, 2025, to rectify their status.

Failure to comply will lead to publication of names and photographs, along with law enforcement involvement.

“This is a clear warning,” stated the NSA. Staff from the National Intelligence Bureau have been monitoring quietly for months; action is imminent.

The NSA reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption in national service programs. “We have zero tolerance for this conduct,” they declared. Guilty staff will be dismissed; involved public servants face termination and prosecution.

The era of impunity is over.