The National Service Authority (NSA) has uncovered a major payroll fraud scheme in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region.
Two senior officers—the District Manager and the MIS Manager—have been interdicted after confessing to orchestrating an elaborate system of illegal payments to ineligible service personnel.
This was revealed in a statement by the NSA, which described the act as dastardly and a betrayal of public trust.
“This is not merely a disciplinary matter. It is a breach of public trust, a violation of the National Service Act, and a direct assault on the integrity of our public institutions,” parts of the statement issued by NSA Director-General Felix Gyamfi read.
Detailing the culprits’ modus operandi, the NSA explained that the two officers manipulated records to validate and process monthly allowances for 29 individuals during the current 2024/2025 service year and 49 others in the previous 2023/2024 cycle.
Many of these individuals were already employed or on study leave with pay but were fraudulently enrolled and paid as regular National Service Personnel.
“These were not mistakes. They were calculated and deliberate acts of deception. We presented them with substantial evidence. In the meeting this morning, they admitted to their direct involvement in the fraudulent activity,” the statement added.
According to the National Service Authority (NSA), the scandal in Birim North is just one part of a nationwide problem threatening its credibility.
“As part of ongoing reforms and a comprehensive clean-up, we have uncovered a troubling trend involving willful falsification of records by individuals currently working as teachers, nurses, midwives, customs officers, and others in Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and private companies,” the NSA disclosed.
The statement further revealed that some permanent public servants fraudulently register as National Service Personnel to receive monthly allowances while also drawing salaries from their main employers—an illegal double benefit that clearly violates public service laws.
“For clarity, ‘Study Leave’ or ‘Employed National Service Personnel’ are not entitled to monthly service allowances. Their appointment letters state this in no uncertain terms. Yet many collude with NSA District Managers to change their status and siphon public funds,” it added.
Citing Section 12 of the Public Services Commission Act, 1994 (Act 482), the Authority warned that such conduct undermines the legal and ethical standards required of all public officers.
“This is unlawful enrichment. It is a misappropriation of public funds. It shall be addressed with the full weight of applicable laws,” the NSA warned. “Anyone who attempts to defraud the system shall be found out, shamed, and held fully accountable.”
As part of sweeping reforms, the NSA has announced stricter verification protocols to cross-check National Service enrolment data against the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) database. This will expose cases of identity falsification and double remuneration.
Moreover, all individuals involved in the fraudulent practice have been warned to immediately cease submitting allowance forms and to report voluntarily to their regional NSA offices by May 23, 2025, to rectify their status.
“This is a clear warning. The staff of the National Intelligence Bureau and whistleblowers have been monitoring quietly for months. The net is tightening,” the statement cautioned.
The NSA reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out corruption and protecting the integrity of national service.
“We have zero tolerance for this conduct. Staff found guilty will be dismissed. Public servants involved will face termination, prosecution, and permanent disqualification from public service. The era of impunity is over.”
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