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An internal audit has uncovered widespread irregularities at the National Service Authority (NSA), revealing that more than 1,000 infants, including some under one year old, were listed as active personnel on the Authority’s payroll. The findings point to serious lapses in oversight within the NSA’s Central Management System (CMS), raising concerns about systemic corruption and mismanagement.
Payroll Manipulation and System Failures
According to Acting Executive Director, Ruth Dela Seddoh, the fraudulent entries highlight fundamental weaknesses in the payroll system.
“If the system were truly foolproof, we would not have seen babies under one year, without even a Ghana Card, appearing as service personnel,” she explained.
The audit further revealed that nearly 3,000 individuals over the age of 80 were still receiving allowances, despite the official exit age for service being 40 years. The revelations suggest that loopholes in the system were deliberately exploited to siphon public funds.
Government Action
Following the revelations, President John Dramani Mahama directed the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment to suspend the CMS on June 18, 2025, halting this year’s national service postings. The decision was taken to preserve the integrity of the program while reforms are implemented.
Despite the disruption, the NSA has assured graduates awaiting postings that allocations will resume soon.
“A transition team is already in place and the framework for a new, more transparent system has been established,” Ms. Seddoh said. “By November 1, 2025, postings will be released, and we encourage prospective personnel to remain calm.”
Administrative Shake-Up
The scandal has prompted leadership changes within the NSA. Former Acting Director Felix Gyamfi has been reassigned to the Ministry of Finance, while interim leadership works to stabilize operations. The reforms are expected to tighten payroll verification, ensure accurate data capture, and prevent recurrence of fraudulent listings.
Broader Implications
The discovery underscores longstanding concerns about corruption in public institutions and the misuse of digital management systems. Analysts warn that such scandals not only drain state resources but also undermine trust in national service, an institution designed to equip young Ghanaians with practical experience and contribute to national development.
As reforms move forward, the NSA has pledged to restore credibility by introducing stricter age verification, digital identity checks, and independent oversight mechanisms.
For now, the revelations serve as a wake-up call for Ghana’s broader public sector, where loopholes in payroll systems continue to present fertile ground for abuse.
Credit: Joy Online