2,000 ghost names expunged from NSS Payroll, saving GH¢1.43 million monthly — Felix Gyamfi

Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Felix Gyamfi, has revealed that recent investigations into payroll irregularities have uncovered a significant number of fraudulent entries, which will soon be removed.

The initiative is expected to save the government an estimated GH¢1,430,000 per month.

“This year, with the exposure that we have made, I'm expecting that by June there will be a difference in the payroll numbers. I expect that at least the payroll should go down by 2,000 names. This is widespread. It is happening nationwide. I think 2,000 translates to GHC1,430,000 a month, if we are able to get 2,000 off the payroll. I want every cedi we've spent here to mean well for government, Ghana, and the National Service,” Mr. Gyamfi told TV3 on May 15.

The crackdown follows mounting concerns about corruption within the National Service Scheme, particularly in relation to ghost names and double-dipping personnel. Two district managers in the Eastern Region were recently interdicted after they were found to have illegally processed allowances for 29 individuals who were either on study leave or already employed full-time.

Mr. Gyamfi described the discovery as a clear breach of trust, noting that if the implicated officers had come forward voluntarily, the matter could have been handled internally. “When we met with all the District and Regional Directors, if the two men from Birim had walked up to me and said we have 29 people in our payroll who we suspect are public servants who are already getting paid, I wouldn't have exposed it publicly. I would have dealt with it internally and looked for ways to maybe move them away from the district or interdict them quietly. But to the extent that you didn't tell me and I found out through a third party, then I have to expose it and I think that's how you fight corruption,” he said.

To ensure continued accountability, the NSA is now working with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to cross-check data and flag individuals receiving dual salaries unlawfully.

“This year, we are going to put the National Service data through the Controller and Accountant General's data for all those who are already working under government agencies or public service. If you're already being paid by the government of Ghana and you submit yourself as a regular service person, there will be issues,” Mr. Gyamfi cautioned.

In a related development, the National Service Scheme has completed the design of its official military-style training attire for incoming personnel. The uniform will include a camo green cap, shirts, trousers, and durable boots.

On August 3, 2025, about 10,000 service personnel are expected to report to military barracks across the country to begin a six-week intensive training program. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Ghana Armed Forces, aims to instill discipline and a strong sense of patriotism in young graduates.

Preparations are underway to ensure that all trainees meet the required medical and physical standards before beginning the programme. The move reflects a broader effort by the NSA to reform its operations, reinforce integrity, and foster national development.