Ghost names drain ¢548m from NSS payroll
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has revealed that a massive payroll fraud scheme at the National Service Authority (NSA) has cost the state more than GHS548 million in public funds.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Friday, Dr. Ayine said the scheme, which involved the insertion of ghost names on the national service payroll—was orchestrated by a network of officials, including directors, staff members, and external service providers, under the previous Akufo-Addo administration.
According to the Attorney General, the findings stem from an ongoing investigation under the government’s ‘Operation Recover All Loot’ (ORAL) initiative, initiated by President John Dramani Mahama to expose corruption and recover stolen public assets.
“The criminal enterprise that led to this massive financial loss involved the deliberate creation and maintenance of ghost names in the NSA payroll system. These fictitious entries were then exploited to divert state funds for personal gain,” Dr. Ayine stated.
He said the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), which is leading the probe, uncovered over 8,000 nonexistent individuals on the payroll. These fake entries were used to divert funds earmarked for legitimate national service personnel.
Providing a breakdown of the losses, the Attorney General noted that GHS350.9 million was lost during the 2022/2023 service year, while an additional GHS32.8 million was siphoned in 2023/2024, bringing the total to GH¢548.3 million.
Dr. Ayine added that several individuals linked to the scam are currently assisting with investigations, and assured that prosecutions will follow.
“The days of impunity are over. Anyone found culpable will face the full rigor of the law,” he said.
The Attorney General also reiterated the Mahama administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance in all public institutions.
The scandal has reignited public calls for tighter oversight and structural reform within the National Service Scheme, as well as stronger digital safeguards to prevent future payroll fraud.
The Ministry of Justice is urging anyone with relevant information to support the investigation and help bring all perpetrators to justice.
