The National Service Authority (NSA) has interdicted two senior officers in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region following the discovery of a payroll fraud scheme involving fake National Service claims.

The District Manager and the Management Information Systems (MIS) Manager were suspended after admitting their roles in the fraudulent validation and processing of monthly allowances for dozens of ineligible individuals.

The admissions followed a meeting where the two were confronted with evidence, obtained through a collaboration between NSA officials and a whistleblower, according to the NSA in a statement signed by its Director General, Felix Gyamfi.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the officers falsely validated 29 individuals in the 2024/2025 service year and 49 in the 2023/2024 period. These individuals were either on study leave with pay or were already employed full-time in the public or private sector but were misrepresented as regular National Service personnel to receive monthly service allowances.

“This conduct constitutes a clear breach of the Public Services Commission Act, 1994 (Act 482),” the Authority stated in a release. “It further constitutes unlawful enrichment and misappropriation of public funds, and shall be addressed with the full weight of applicable laws.”

The NSA noted that this is part of a broader, longstanding issue within the Authority, with indications that thousands of individuals nationwide may be fraudulently receiving allowances while holding full-time jobs in teaching, nursing, customs, and other sectors.

As part of its ongoing reforms, the Authority is introducing enhanced verification processes, including cross-checks with the Controller and Accountant-General's Department (CAGD) to detect cases of dual remuneration and identity falsification.

All individuals involved in this practice have been ordered to cease submitting monthly allowance forms and to report to NSA regional offices by May 23, 2025, for rectification. Failure to comply will lead to public disclosure of their identities and referral to law enforcement agencies for possible prosecution.

“This enforcement exercise is a clear warning and notice to all those involved in this dastardly act,” said Felix Gyamfi, Director-General of the NSA. “Our enhanced systems and internal controls will expose all offenders, no matter how long ago the offence occurred.”

The NSA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in supporting national development through the National Service programme.