President John Dramani Mahama has directed the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) to launch an immediate probe into the operations of the National Service Authority (NSA) under the previous government. This follows the shocking discovery of 81,885 suspected ghost names on the Authority’s payroll.

SEE ALSO: Sam George Plans to Reduce Data Costs in Ghana

The fraudulent names were uncovered during a head count of active National Service personnel, a move initiated by the Minister for Finance as part of efforts to clear allowance arrears dating back to August 2024.

According to the statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications, “The Ministry of Finance has upon the completion of the head count, released an amount of GHS 226,019,224 covering allowance payment arrears for 98,145 actual National Service Personnel.”

SEE ALSO: WAEC Updates on Withheld WASSCE Results: What Candidates and Parents Need to Know

This figure is notably 81,885 less than the 180,030 names presented by the previous management of the Authority for allowance payments in 2024. The significant discrepancy suggests a major payroll fraud, prompting the President’s intervention.

In light of this, President Mahama has also instructed the new leadership of the NSA to undertake urgent reforms to prevent future occurrences. The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to establishing adequate controls to curb the menace of ghost names.

As investigations proceed, many are keen to see what actions will be taken against those found culpable. This development underscores the persistent challenge of payroll irregularities in public institutions and the need for stronger oversight mechanisms.