The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has ordered an immediate suspension of the Central Management System (CMS) at the National Service Authority (NSA), following concerns over the integrity of the digital postings platform for national service personnel.

According to a statement released on Wednesday, June 17, it said the office of the President directed the suspension of the CMS indefinitely to permit a thorough technical and forensic review.

The Ministry assured the public that alternative measures are being implemented to maintain transparent and uninterrupted service for all National Service Personnel during the audit.

This decision comes amid ongoing investigations into the NSA’s “ghost names” scandal, an alarming case where tens of thousands of non-existent or fraudulent names were placed on the national service payroll.

Earlier this month, an investigative report by the Attorney‑General’s office identified at least 81,885 ghost names and recommended criminal charges and recovery of GH₵548 million.

• Read also: The NSS Scandal: Here’s why the new DG’s defence of ghost names digital platform/metric app is shocking

The Ministry stated that it is reviewing alternative verification systems to ensure ongoing postings are fair and legitimate.

"We urge all National Service Persons and the general public to remain calm and cooperative with the relevant institutions to undertake the necessary actions to safeguard the integrity of the National Service Authority."

This decision comes shortly after over 130,000 service personnel were issued PIN codes for the start of their service. The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah, whose media project, The Fourth Estate, was the first to expose the ghost names scandal in an investigative report, questioned the continuous use of the same portal by the new administration.