The National Service Authority (NSA) has strongly rejected recent media reports alleging the presence of “Ghost Names” and the inflation of payroll for National Service Personnel between the 2018/2019 and 2023/2024 service years.
In an official statement issued on Monday 16, December 2024, by the Director-General, Osei Assibey Antwi, the NSA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and efficient management of National Service operations.
The Authority wishes to state categorically that, these allegations are extremely baseless and unfounded. 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.”the statement read.
The NSA acknowledged that no system, whether manual or electronic, is completely immune to flaws. However, it emphasized that the evidence of the elimination of fraudulent activities and “Ghost Names” in the National Service system since the introduction of these measures is overwhelming.
Despite the strong systems in place, the Authority has been prompted by recent allegations to conduct a review of its processes. After a thorough assessment, the NSA found no evidence to support the claims of payroll fraud or the inclusion of “Ghost Names” in the service years in question.
The NSA’s Governing Board, meeting in an emergency session on December 12, 2024, requested the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to investigate these allegations further.
The NSA has expressed concern that these unfounded claims could tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the Authority, particularly at a time when significant progress has been made in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the National Service system.
The Authority stated that such allegations could undermine the transformative progress made in recent years.
Furthermore, the NSA acknowledged the petition filed by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) to the Office of the Special Prosecutor, urging a deeper investigation into the allegations. The Authority has pledged full cooperation with all investigative agencies to ensure the truth is established and its integrity vindicated.
In light of these developments, the NSA urged the public to refrain from making hasty judgments or spreading unverified information that could harm the reputations of individuals and institutions involved.
The Authority emphasized that any damage caused by premature condemnation could be irreparable if the investigations later prove the accused parties innocent.
The NSA reassured the public of its commitment to serving the nation with integrity, ensuring that public resources are used responsibly and judiciously.
The Authority also welcomed partnerships with stakeholders willing to collaborate in addressing any operational issues and ensuring that any substantiated distortions are corrected.
