NSA: No ‘ghost names’ in National Service payroll

The National Service Authority (NSA) has refuted recent allegations circulating in the media about the existence of “ghost names” and payroll fraud concerning service personnel allowances between the 2018/2019 and 2023/2024 service years.

In a statement signed and released yesterday by its Director-General, Osei Assibey Antwi, the NSA dismissed the claims as baseless and unfounded while emphasizing its commitment to operational transparency.

Robust systems

According to the NSA, since 2021, it has implemented stringent electronic measures designed to safeguard its payroll and deployment processes. It stressed that these systems had incorporated advanced technology, such as the Ghana card, facial verification, and proof of eligibility from tertiary institutions, ensuring comprehensive monitoring and significantly deterring fraud attempts.

“These measures have generated savings of over GHS 300 million within the last four years (2021-2024),” the statement noted, adding that key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance, had commended the Authority’s efforts.

The statement acknowledged that no system was entirely infallible, but it expressed confidence in the overwhelming results of its measures, which it claimed had effectively eliminated “ghost names” from the National Service payroll since 2021.

“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,” the statement stressed.

Unfounded allegations

The statement revealed that following the publication of the allegations, the NSA undertook a swift internal review and determined the accusations to be unsubstantiated.

“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,” it added.

The NSA also criticised the motivations behind the allegations, stating: “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.”

It acknowledged a petition submitted by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) to the Office of the Special Prosecutor. The Authority welcomed the development, assuring full cooperation with any investigations to establish the facts and defend its integrity. It also appealed to the public to exercise restraint in discussions and refrain from personal attacks on individuals, noting the potential for irreparable reputational damage should those accused be proven innocent.

Commitment

The Authority further reaffirmed its commitment to serving Ghana with integrity, ensuring judicious use of public resources, and enhancing operational efficiency. It also invited stakeholders to partner in addressing operational concerns and improving its systems.

“The NSA remains resolute in its mission to protect public resources and deliver value for money,” the statement emphasized. It expressed appreciation for stakeholders’ contributions to the Authority’s work, and called for support to sustain the transformative progress made in recent years.