The National Service Authority (NSA) has interdicted two of its staff in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region following their involvement in a coordinated payroll fraud scheme.
According to a statement signed by the Director General of the Authority, Felix Gyamfi, the fraudulent activity was uncovered through a joint effort between the NSA and a whistleblower. The two interdicted officers—one the District Manager and the other the Management Information Systems (MIS) Manager—reportedly admitted their involvement during an internal meeting.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the duo had validated and processed monthly allowances for at least 29 individuals in the 2024/2025 service year, and 49 in the 2023/2024 service year, all of whom were not legitimately enrolled.
Further revelations indicate that some public servants, including teachers, nurses, and customs officers, were secretly registering as National Service personnel in order to receive monthly allowances. This act violates the Public Services Commission Act, 1994 (Act 482), and undermines the ethical and legal standards expected of public officers.
To tighten accountability, the NSA has announced new verification protocols that will include cross-referencing National Service data with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department employment database. The Authority has emphasized its zero-tolerance stance on fraud, warning that implicated staff risk dismissal, while public servants involved may face prosecution, job termination, and permanent disqualification from public service.
The NSA has given those involved until May 23, 2025, to voluntarily report to their respective regional offices to regularize their status. Failure to comply will result in the publication of their names and photographs, with further investigations and possible legal action. The National Intelligence Bureau is also involved in the probe and is closely monitoring the situation.
The NSA has reassured the public of its commitment to integrity and transparency, noting that enhanced systems and controls are now in place to detect and punish misconduct.
This move has been widely welcomed as a positive step in sanitizing the National Service scheme and curbing the abuse of public funds.
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Story by: Elsie Eyram Kumah | universnews. ug.edu.gh
Edited by: Wahab Abdul Razak
