The government of Ghana Launches Investigation into 81,000 Suspected Names on National Service Scheme (NSS) Payroll
The Government of Ghana has launched an investigation after discovering over 81,000 suspected ghost names on the National Service payroll. The investigation came after a headcount was carried out to clear arrears in allowances owed to national service personnel.
Following the discovery, the Ministry of Finance released 226 million Ghana cedis (around $14.6 million) to pay the outstanding allowances to 98,000 verified and legitimate service personnel. However, the identification of these ghost names has raised concerns about possible fraudulent activities within the public payroll system.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has also stepped in, identifying former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as one of the individuals under investigation for his alleged involvement in these discrepancies. He is currently listed as a “wanted fugitive.”
In response to the situation, President John Dramani Mahama has directed that the investigation be accelerated to ensure those responsible are held accountable. This discovery has drawn attention to the need for reforms to improve transparency and prevent similar issues in the future.
As the investigation continues, many are calling for stricter measures to safeguard public funds, and the public is awaiting further details on the outcome of the probe.
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