NSA flags over 8,100 personnel over payroll irregularities; 1,840 suspended

The National Service Authority (NSA) has uncovered significant irregularities in the national service payroll following internal investigations, leading to the flagging of 8,105 service personnel nationwide.

Out of the total number flagged, 1,840 personnel have been temporarily suspended pending further investigations by relevant state institutions.

Addressing a press briefing on Monday, December 15, the Director-General of the NSA, Madam Ruth Dela Seddoh, disclosed that the anomalies were traced to three tertiary institutions — the University of Development Studies (UDS), Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), and the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development.

According to Madam Seddoh, the Authority compared the number of graduates produced by the affected institutions with figures submitted for national service deployment, a process that exposed glaring discrepancies.

She indicated that the findings suggest possible complicity by some institutional officials, describing the scheme as involving a “large network or cartel.”

The investigations have so far resulted in the arrest of ten staff members from the implicated institutions. She confirmed that the suspects are currently assisting security agencies with ongoing investigations.

Madam Seddoh also addressed concerns surrounding the shutdown of the National Service portal after two deadline extensions, explaining that the decision was necessary to allow for reposting and thorough validation of personnel at their respective places of service.

She stressed that the timelines were deliberate and aimed at ensuring the accuracy of deployment records, as well as eliminating ghost names from the system.

Following the validation exercise, she said a re-validation process will be undertaken to enable the prompt payment of allowances to legitimately verified personnel.

The NSA Director-General issued a stern warning to individuals attempting to exploit the system, stating that existing security mechanisms will detect ghost registrations and that offenders will face the full rigour of the law.

She assured service personnel that all outstanding validation issues will be addressed to ensure fairness and transparency in the national service administration.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith