NSA Uncovers Massive Payroll Scam, Flags 8,105 National Service Names
Investigations uncover cartel involving tertiary institutions as 1,840 personnel are suspended and staff arrested
- The National Service Authority identified thousands of irregular entries on its payroll following a comprehensive internal audit
- 1,840 individuals have been suspended, while 10 staff from implicated tertiary institutions have been arrested for investigation
- The NSA shut its portal to enable validation, eliminate ghost names, and ensure only verified personnel are paid allowances
The National Service Authority (NSA) has uncovered major payroll irregularities following an internal audit, leading to the flagging of 8,105 names within the national service system.
Out of the total number identified, 1,840 individuals have been placed on temporary suspension while investigations by relevant security and investigative agencies continue.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, December 15, the Director-General of the Authority, Ruth Dela Seddoh, disclosed that the anomalies were traced to submissions from three tertiary institutions — the University of Development Studies (UDS), Ghana Communication Technology University, and Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development.
She explained that the Authority detected the irregularities by comparing the number of students officially graduated by the institutions with the lists submitted for national service enrollment. This process, she said, exposed deliberate discrepancies, suggesting the involvement of a wider syndicate.
According to Ms Seddoh, the investigations revealed what she described as a “large cartel” operating within the system, leading to shocking discoveries that necessitated immediate action. As a result, 10 staff members from the affected institutions have been arrested and are currently assisting security agencies with ongoing investigations.
Addressing public concerns over the closure of the National Service portal after two extensions, the Director-General clarified that the decision was deliberate and essential. She noted that the shutdown allowed the Authority to conduct reposting, validate records, confirm the physical presence of personnel at their assigned posts, and eliminate ghost or fraudulent registrations.
She stressed that the process was carefully planned to ensure accurate deployment data, effective revalidation, and the timely payment of allowances to only verified and legitimately deployed service personnel.
