The National Service Authority (NSA) has exposed a widespread payroll fraud scheme in the Birim North District of Ghana’s Eastern Region, implicating senior officials in what has been described as a “calculated and deliberate” betrayal of public trust.
In an official statement, NSA Director-General Felix Gyamfi confirmed the interdiction of the District Manager and the MIS Manager, who confessed to masterminding an illegal payment network that benefited dozens of ineligible individuals posing as National Service Personnel.
“This is not merely a disciplinary matter,” Gyamfi stated. “It is a breach of public trust, a violation of the National Service Act, and a direct assault on the integrity of our public institutions.”
The NSA revealed that the fraudulent activity involved the manipulation of service records to authorize monthly allowance payments to 29 individuals in the ongoing 2024/2025 service year, and 49 more during the 2023/2024 cycle. Many of the recipients were not eligible for national service, as they were already gainfully employed or on study leave with pay.
“These were not administrative errors,” the NSA emphasized. “They were deliberate acts of fraud. The implicated officers were presented with overwhelming evidence and admitted to their roles during a meeting earlier today.”
According to the NSA, this incident is part of a broader, systemic problem that threatens the credibility of the national service program across the country. Preliminary investigations have uncovered a disturbing pattern of public servants—teachers, nurses, midwives, customs officers, and other civil servants—fraudulently registering as service personnel to draw an additional income.
“Such individuals are already receiving full salaries from their primary employers,” the statement noted. “Yet they collude with local NSA officials to falsely present themselves as eligible service personnel, effectively drawing two incomes in violation of public service regulations.”
The Authority cited Section 12 of the Public Services Commission Act, 1994 (Act 482), which mandates strict ethical and legal standards for public officers. It condemned the actions as “unlawful enrichment and misappropriation of public funds,” warning that those involved would face prosecution, dismissal, and permanent disqualification from public service.
“This is a clear warning,” the statement read. “The era of impunity is over. Anyone attempting to defraud the system will be exposed, held accountable, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
In response to the scandal, the NSA has introduced a series of reforms aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency. Key among these is a data verification protocol that cross-checks national service enrolment records with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) to detect identity fraud and double payments.
Additionally, individuals who have participated in the fraudulent scheme have until May 23, 2025, to voluntarily report to their respective NSA regional offices and rectify their status. Submission of further fraudulent allowance claims has been explicitly prohibited.
“The National Intelligence Bureau and whistleblowers have been quietly monitoring these activities,” the NSA warned. “The net is tightening.”
Concluding its statement, the NSA reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption within its ranks and the broader public service.
“We are committed to preserving the integrity of national service. Those who abuse this institution for personal gain will be rooted out and dealt with. The public deserves a transparent and accountable system, and we intend to deliver exactly that.”
