Birim North: National Service Authority interdicts two staff over fraud

The National Service Authority (NSA) has interdicted two of its officers in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region over their involvement in a payroll fraud scheme.

The interdicted officers, the District Manager and the MIS Manager, were implicated following a tip-off from a whistleblower that led to an internal investigation.

At a meeting held earlier today (May 14, 2025), the officers admitted to their roles after being presented with substantial evidence of their misconduct.

Preliminary findings revealed that the two managers had deliberately validated and processed monthly allowances for 29 individuals in the 2024/2025 service year and 49 individuals in the 2023/2024 service year.

These individuals, categorized as either on study leave with pay or already in full-time employment, were wrongfully listed as regular National Service Personnel.

“This is part of a broader payroll fraud challenge that has plagued the Authority nationwide,” the NSA noted in a press release signed by its Director-General, Felix Gyamfi.

According to the NSA, further investigations have uncovered a growing trend of public sector employees, including teachers, nurses, midwives, and customs officers, fraudulently enrolling as regular service personnel while concealing their employment status.

These individuals unlawfully draw service allowances in addition to their regular salaries, violating public service ethics and the National Service Act.

To address this issue, the NSA is implementing a comprehensive clean-up of the enrolment process.

As part of the reforms, all records submitted for national service enrolment will now be cross-checked with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) database to eliminate cases of double remuneration and identity falsification.

The NSA has warned that any staff found guilty of facilitating such fraud will face dismissal and prosecution. It has also cautioned affected public servants that they risk losing their primary jobs, being prosecuted, and permanently barred from holding public office.

All individuals who fall under this fraudulent category have been directed to voluntarily report to their respective regional NSA offices by May 23, 2025, for rectification.

Failure to do so, the Authority says, will lead to the publication of names and photographs of culprits and possible legal action.

NSA has reaffirmed its commitment to building a transparent, efficient, and merit-based system in support of national development.