NSA suspends 1,840 personnel after uncovering massive payroll anomalies.
The National Service Authority (NSA) has announced the suspension of 1,840 service personnel following the discovery of widespread payroll irregularities involving thousands of suspected non-eligible individuals.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Authority’s headquarters in Accra, the Director-General of the NSA, Ruth Dela Seddoh, revealed that an extensive internal audit uncovered serious anomalies within the payroll system. According to her, a total of 8,105 names were flagged during the investigation, with 1,840 individuals already suspended to allow for further scrutiny by security agencies.
Madam Seddoh described the situation as deeply alarming, noting that the findings point to a coordinated network that manipulated data to enable ineligible persons to be captured as national service personnel. She explained that the irregularities were linked to data submissions from three tertiary institutions: the University of Development Studies (UDS), Ghana Communications Technology University (GCTU), and Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED).
As part of the ongoing investigations, ten staff members from the affected institutions have been arrested and are currently assisting security agencies with inquiries. She also confirmed that some staff of the National Service Authority have been taken in for questioning by National Security as investigations expand.
The Director-General cautioned that the consequences could have been severe if the irregularities had not been detected in time. She explained that the state risked losing substantial funds through monthly allowance payments to unqualified individuals, while the credibility of the national service system would have suffered significant damage.
To address the situation and prevent future occurrences, the NSA has outlined a number of corrective measures. These include automated data verification between tertiary institutions and NSA records, routine audits of institutional submissions, and improved training for staff responsible for data management and compliance.
Madam Seddoh reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring the public that the NSA will continue to collaborate with investigative bodies to protect the integrity of the national service system.
Source: JoyNews