Opinions of Thursday, 15 May 2025
Columnist: www.ghanawebbers.com
The National Service Authority (NSA) has discovered a major payroll fraud scheme. This scheme took place in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region. Two senior officials are involved: the District Manager and the MI5 Manager. They allegedly siphoned funds by validating ineligible personnel.
The fraud was revealed through collaboration between the NSA and a whistleblower. During a meeting today, both officers faced strong evidence against them. They admitted to their misconduct and have been interdicted pending further investigations.
Preliminary findings show that these managers processed allowances for at least 29 individuals in 2024/2025. They also processed payments for 49 individuals in 2023/2024. These individuals were either on "Study Leave with Pay" or already employed full-time but falsely listed as regular National Service Personnel.
The NSA stated this case reflects a larger systemic issue affecting the Authority nationwide. The fraudulent scheme allowed salaried employees, including teachers and nurses, to receive extra monthly allowances. They concealed their employment status to enroll as regular service personnel.
The NSA clarified that those who haven't completed their national service can register while employed. However, they are not eligible for monthly service allowances since they earn salaries from their jobs.
To address these issues, the NSA is reforming the national service enrollment process. They aim to eliminate fraudulent practices that waste public resources and damage the program's credibility.
Management has committed to accountability and transparency. They will pursue all individuals involved in similar schemes across the country and ensure legal consequences for perpetrators.