National Service Authority warns against payroll fraud allegations

The National Service Authority (NSA) has strongly refuted recent media reports alleging payroll fraud and the presence of “ghost names” in its system, describing the claims as “baseless and unfounded.”

In a press release issued on December 16, 2024, NSA urged the public to exercise caution in commenting on the matter, the NSA warned against premature conclusions, stating: “The harm caused to individuals found innocent after such accusations can be irreparable.”

The NSA reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and transparency, highlighting major system improvements since 2021.

According to the Authority, advanced measures such as facial verification, Ghana Card integration, and institution-based eligibility checks have significantly reduced fraud, saving 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 entirely immune to breaches, the NSA stressed that attempted fraud has been drastically minimized. It dismissed the allegations as inconsistent with the current efficiency of its operations and monitoring processes.

The NSA’s Governing Board revealed that an emergency meeting was held on December 12, during which the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) was engaged to probe the claims. So far, no concrete evidence has emerged to substantiate the allegations.

Additionally, the NSA confirmed that a petition submitted by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and The Fourth Estate to the Office of the Special Prosecutor is under review. The Authority pledged full cooperation to ensure all facts are established.

By Joyce Kpeglo