10 Staff of UDS, GCTU and AAMUSTED Arrested Over Ghost Names on NSA Payroll

The National Service Authority (NSA) has uncovered serious irregularities at three public tertiary institutions, leading to the arrest of 10 staff members in connection with the alleged insertion of ghost names on the National Service payroll.

According to the Director-General of the NSA, Dela Seddoh, the arrests involve staff from the University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana Communications Technology University (GCTU), and Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED). She disclosed that some NSA staff have also been taken into custody as investigations widen.

“The investigations uncovered a number of serious irregularities being perpetuated in these institutions. Ten members of staff have been arrested and are under investigation by the security agencies,” she stated.

The arrests follow the deployment of a new centralized management system aimed at eliminating ghost names and other fraudulent activities within the National Service Scheme.

Ms. Seddoh revealed that the system has already flagged 8,105 individuals, with 1,840 suspended pending further investigations.

“We made shocking discoveries that resulted in the flagging of over 8,105 individuals, with 1,840 suspended pending further investigations by the security agencies,” she explained.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, December 15, 2025, the Director-General stressed that the NSA is determined to prosecute all individuals found culpable. She warned that any attempts to compromise the new system would attract severe sanctions.

“Cartels continue to attempt infiltration with ghost names, but we are determined to crack down and end this practice,” she said.

Ms. Seddoh also announced that the National Service registration portal will be reopened for one final week, from Monday, December 15 to Monday, December 22, 2025, with Saturday, December 20 added to ensure wider access. She emphasized that the portal will be permanently closed after December 22 for the 2025/2026 service year, as preparations begin for the deployment of nurses.

She further expressed concern over institutions that reject service personnel after initially accepting their postings. Citing an instance where a ministry rejected nearly 100 personnel on the final day of validation, Ms. Seddoh described the action as unacceptable and disruptive.

“Institutions that reject personnel without valid reasons and official release letters will face punitive action, including blacklisting from subsequent postings,” she warned.

The NSA has formally written to the Office of the Presidency through its supervising ministry, insisting that all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Government Institutions comply with their assigned quotas. Ms. Seddoh cautioned that failure to adhere to NSA directives will attract serious consequences.