Management of the National Service Scheme has with immediate effect dismissed 163 staff of the Scheme.

The decision was taken on the advice of the Board following receipt of official report from the Board's Disciplinary Committee about the financial malfeasance identified in the operations of the Personnel Allowances Accounts in the 2013/14 service year.

A press statement signed by the Acting Executive Director of the Scheme, Dr. Michael Kpessa-Whyte says after thorough deliberations following the Disciplinary Committee's report, it was identified that the personnel were involved in gross misconduct and brought the name of the Scheme into disrepute through the "ghost name scam".

The statement said staff, including two on retirement would also be prosecuted and made to refund the monies they embezzled, while decision on three staff serving as prosecution witnesses have been deferred.

In the statement, Dr. Kpessa-Whyte noted that the dismissals are without prejudice to criminal prosecutions by the State.

This according to him is in line with President John Mahama's resolve to fight corruption and abuse of public office.

It would be recalled that following receipt of a report from the BNI earlier this year, the Board of the National Service Scheme authorized a Disciplinary Committee to initiate hearing of the staff involved in the "ghost name scam", as required by the rules of the Public Services Commission, and recommend appropriate action.