The National Service scandal in Ghana has taken a new turn with the National Service Authority (NSA) uncovering a payroll fraud scheme in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region. The scandal involves the District Manager and the MIS Manager, both of whom have admitted their involvement.
In a statement dated May 14, 2025, the NSA confirmed that the fraud was exposed through collaboration with a whistleblower. “During a meeting convened this morning, both individuals were presented with substantial evidence of their misconduct. In further discussions, the two officers admitted to their direct involvement in the fraudulent activity,” parts of the statement said. The NSA has since interdicted the two officers, pending further investigation.
Preliminary findings revealed that the two managers validated and processed monthly allowances for 29 individuals for the 2024/2025 service year and 49 for the 2023/2024 year. These individuals were either already employed or on study leave with pay, yet they were misrepresented as regular service personnel.
The statement revealed that this action was part of the larger payroll fraud which has bedeviled the Authority for years. The NSA mentioned that they are aware of such scandals being a part of the broader canker within the National Service Authority Nationwide.
“This conduct constitutes a clear breach of the Public Services Commission Act, 1994 (Act 482),” the NSA emphasized.
They said the action undermines Section 12 of the Act, which mandates public officers to maintain honesty, integrity, and accountability.
New Measures to Prevent Future Abuse
In response to this National Service scandal, the NSA has begun implementing stricter verification processes to clean up its systems. All service records submitted for enrollment will be matched against the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department database to eliminate identity fraud and double payments.
The NSA stated, “We wish to categorically state that the NSA has zero tolerance for such conduct. Staff of NSA who are found guilty of this offence risk being dismissed from the Authority.”
Public servants involved face termination, prosecution, and a permanent ban from public office. As part of the crackdown, all individuals currently benefiting from this fraudulent arrangement are directed to stop submitting monthly allowance forms.
“They are further directed to report voluntarily to the NSA Regional Offices by 23rd May 2025 for rectification of their status in the NSA system,” the Authority warned.
Final Warning from National Security
The National Service scandal has attracted the attention of national security agencies. According to the NSA, the National Intelligence Bureau has been monitoring the situation for months with the help of whistleblowers.
“This enforcement exercise is a clear warning and notice to all those involved in this dastardly act that the staff of the National Intelligence Bureau and whistleblowers have been monitoring them quietly for months,” the statement declared. “Anyone who attempts to defraud the system shall be found out, shamed, and held fully accountable.”
The NSA further warned that the new systems put in place are robust enough to expose all offenders. “We wish to reassure the public that our enhanced systems and internal controls will expose all offenders, no matter how long ago the offence occurred. Anyone who attempts to defraud the system shall be found out, shamed, and held fully accountable.”
The NSA has pledged to restore integrity and ensure that all personnel serve with transparency and accountability.
