The National Service Authority (NSA) has denied recent media reports alleging payroll fraud and the inclusion of “ghost names” in its system.
In a press release issued on [December 16, 2024]the Authority described the claims as “baseless and unfounded,” reaffirming its commitment to accountability and transparency.
According to the NSA, its systems have undergone significant improvements since 2021, with the introduction of advanced electronic measures to curb fraud.
These measures include facial verification, Ghana Card integration, and institution-based eligibility checks, which the Authority says have saved the country over 300 million cedis between 2021 and 2024.
“The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, and other key stakeholders have concrete evidence of the gains achieved through these systems,” the statement noted.
While acknowledging that no system is completely immune to breaches, the NSA stressed that attempted fraud has been significantly reduced.
It also dismissed the allegations as inconsistent with the current operations and effectiveness of its monitoring processes.
The statement explained that the Governing Board of the NSA held an emergency meeting on December 12, where it engaged the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to probe the allegations.
The Board stated that no concrete evidence had been presented to support the claims so far.
Additionally, the Authority confirmed that a petition had been submitted by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and The Fourth Estate to the Office of the Special Prosecutor and has pledged full cooperation to establish the facts.
The statement urged the public to exercise restraint in their commentary on the matter, warning against rushing to condemn individuals before investigations are complete.
“The harm caused to individuals found innocent after such accusations can be irreparable,” the release stated.
Reaffirming its mission, the NSA assured the public that it remains committed to protecting national resources and ensuring they are used responsibly.
“We remain resolute in serving Ghana with integrity, transparency, and accountability,” said Osei Assibey Antwi, Director-General of the National Service Authority.
Full statement below
1. The National Service Authority (NSA) has noted with concern, recent media publications, alleging the introduction of “Ghost Names” and the inflation of payroll for the payment of allowances of National Service Personnel for the service years spanning from 2018/2019 to 2023/2024.
2. The Authority wishes to state categorically that, these allegations are extremely baseless and unfounded.
3. Indeed, the National Service Authority has since 2021 instituted strong electronic measures that have significantly created checks and balances in both the downstream and upstream mobilisation and deployment of National Service Personnel. These measures resulted in several preventive attempts of fraudsters into the system and generated savings of over 300 million cedis within the period of 4 years (2021-2024). The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and other key stakeholders have enormous evidence of the robust system implemented by the National Service Authority and the gains made over the period.
4. The Authority has the inclined belief that no system including manual and electronic processes and procedures are perfect and devoid of impeachment. However, the result and the evidence of the elimination of attempted fraudsters into the National Service portal has been overwhelming and since 2021 drawn curtains-down on the presence of “Ghost Names” in the National Service system.
5. It is worth emphasising that, the electronic system backed by consistent and progressive monitoring coupled with advanced technology (the use of the Ghana card, the facial verification system and the objective proof of eligibility from the tertiary institutions) brought highly desirable results.
6. Following the series of publications with bizarre allegations against the Authority, the Management of the Authority conducted a quick review of the system and found all the allegations to be untrue.
7. Even so, the Governing Board at its Emergency Board meeting of Thursday, December 12, 2024, has requested the National Investigation Bureau. Based on our assessment, we are unable to substantiate any viable rationale that will push individuals, groups or institutions to peddle such allegations capable of tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of the Authority at this time where giant strides have been made to enhance operational efficiency and ensure value for money.
8. The allegations threaten to undermine the transformative progress the NSA has achieved in recent years.
9. The National Service Authority remains grateful and appreciates the contribution of all stakeholders to the development of our elite youth and engage them for a national development and nation building efforts.
10. To maintain institutional image, ensure efficiency and improve operations in line with Public Service values and standards, the National Service Authority welcomes any stakeholder ready to partner with the Authority to deal with relevant matters and address any found or substantiated operational distortions. Indeed, notwithstanding, the Governing Board has taken the bold decision by requesting the National Investigation Bureau ( NIB) to assist the Authority investigate these allegations.
11. In view of these developments, the Authority wishes to urge the public to exercise restraint in its commentaries and publications on the matter and condemnations of personalities, since the damages that may be inflicted upon them may be irreparable when after the investigations, they are found to be innocent.
12. The NSA remains resolute in its mission to serve Ghana with integrity and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that public resources are protected and utilized judiciously and responsibly.
13. The NSA however acknowledges that, a petition has been submitted by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) Publishers of the Fourth Estate to the Office of the Special Prosecutor. We welcome this development and wish to assure the public of our full cooperation with any investigations to establish the facts and vindicate the integrity of the Authority.