National Service Authority denies allegations of ghost names and payroll inflation

The National Service Authority (NSA) has strongly refuted recent media reports alleging the inclusion of ghost names and payroll inflation in the payment of allowances for National Service Personnel between 2018 and 2024.

In a press statement signed by its Director-General, Osei Assibey Antwi, the NSA described the claims as “extremely baseless and unfounded,” asserting that robust electronic systems implemented since 2021 have eradicated fraudulent activities within the system.

“These measures have resulted in several attempts by fraudsters being thwarted, generating savings of over 300 million cedis within four years,” the statement noted.

The NSA emphasised that the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, and other stakeholders possess substantial evidence of the efficiency and impact of these measures, which include the use of the Ghana Card, facial verification systems, and proof of eligibility from tertiary institutions.

While acknowledging that no system is entirely immune to flaws, the NSA affirmed, “The evidence overwhelmingly shows that since 2021, ghost names have been eliminated from the National Service system.”

In response to the allegations, the NSA’s Governing Board convened an emergency meeting on December 12, 2024, and resolved to engage the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to conduct an independent investigation. “We are unable to identify any viable rationale for such allegations, which threaten to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the Authority,” the statement added.

The NSA also welcomed a petition filed by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) with the Office of the Special Prosecutor and pledged full cooperation with any investigation to uncover the truth.

The Authority urged the public to exercise caution in commenting on the matter, warning that unwarranted condemnations could cause irreparable damage to individuals and institutions if the allegations are proven false.

“We remain resolute in our mission to serve Ghana with integrity and ensure public resources are protected and utilised responsibly,” the NSA stated.

The NSA reaffirmed its commitment to operational efficiency and nation-building and invited stakeholders to collaborate in addressing any substantiated concerns about its processes.