Mahama orders probe into 81,885 ghost names on National Service payroll

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) to investigate the National Service Authority (NSA) after a payroll audit uncovered 81,885 suspected ghost names.

The discrepancy was detected through a headcount ordered by the Finance Ministry before clearing allowance arrears from August 2024.

Following the verification, GHS 226 million was released to pay allowances for 98,145 legitimate service personnel—far fewer than the 180,030 initially reported.

The revelation, first exposed by The Fourth Estate, has prompted Mahama to demand immediate reforms at the NSA to tighten payroll controls.

The probe aims to ensure accountability and prevent further financial irregularities.