NSA Uncovers Massive Payroll Fraud Scheme in Birim North District, Eastern Region

The National Service Authority (NSA) has uncovered a major payroll fraud scheme involving top officials in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region, according to a press release issued by the Authority’s Headquarters in Accra.

The fraudulent activity came to light through a collaborative effort between the NSA and a whistleblower. The scheme implicated the District Manager and the MIS Manager, who were found to have deliberately validated and processed monthly allowance payments for individuals who were not entitled to them under the rules governing National Service in Ghana.

In a press briefing held earlier today, the NSA revealed that at least 29 individuals for the 2024/2025 service year and 49 from the 2023/2024 period were fraudulently listed as regular National Service Personnel. Some of these individuals were on “Study Leave with Pay” or were already fully employed in various sectors, including health, education, customs, and ministries.

The two implicated officers have been interdicted pending further investigations after admitting to their involvement in the scam.

Systemic Abuse of Public Funds

The NSA described the scheme as a violation of the Public Services Commission Act, 1994 (Act 482), citing breaches in ethical conduct, public trust, and misuse of public funds. The Authority emphasized that these actions represent “unlawful enrichment and misappropriation of public funds.”

To combat this and future fraud, the NSA announced new verification protocols. All service records will now be cross-checked against the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) employment database to detect double remuneration and identity falsification.

Strict Enforcement Measures

In a bold stance against corruption, the NSA stated that all individuals involved in such illegal schemes risk:

• Immediate dismissal from the National Service Authority,
• Termination from their primary public sector employment,
• Permanent disqualification from future public service jobs,
• Prosecution under applicable Ghanaian laws.

NSA staff involved will be similarly dealt with, according to the press release signed by Director-General Felix Gyamfi.

All culpable individuals have until May 23, 2025, to report voluntarily to NSA Regional Offices to rectify their status. Failure to do so will lead to the publication of names and photographs, and referral to security and law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

Reassurance to the Public

The NSA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and national development, emphasizing that enhanced systems and internal controls are in place to expose and prosecute all offenders—regardless of how long ago the offence occurred.

This initiative signals a significant shift in how the NSA plans to uphold the integrity of the National Service Scheme, with a clear message: those who cheat the system will be found, named, and held accountable.