10 Staff of UDS, GCTU and AAMUSTED Arrested Over Ghost Names on NSA Payroll
Introduction
The National Service Authority (NSA) has uncovered major irregularities within Ghana’s national service scheme, leading to the arrest of 10 staff members across three public tertiary institutions. The arrests follow the detection of ghost names on the NSA payroll after the introduction of a new centralized management system designed to sanitize the scheme.
The affected institutions are the University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana Communications Technology University (GCTU), and Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED). Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with both institutional staff and some NSA personnel currently in custody.
NSA Confirms Arrests Over Payroll Irregularities
Addressing the media, Director-General of the National Service Authority, Dela Seddoh, confirmed that the arrests were made after security agencies uncovered systematic attempts to manipulate the payroll using non-existent or unauthorized names.
“The investigations uncovered a number of serious irregularities being perpetuated in these institutions. Ten members of staff have been arrested and are under investigation by the security agencies,” she stated.
According to Seddoh, the irregularities were discovered following the rollout of a new centralized digital management system, which was specifically introduced to curb fraud, block loopholes, and eliminate ghost names from the national service database.
Over 8,000 Individuals Flagged Nationwide
Beyond the arrests, the NSA disclosed that a large number of suspicious entries have been detected nationwide. Seddoh revealed that 8,105 individuals have been flagged, with 1,840 already suspended pending further investigations.
“We made shocking discoveries that resulted in the flagging of over 8,105 individuals, with 1,840 suspended pending further investigations by the security agencies,” she explained.
These figures highlight the scale of the challenge facing the Authority and underscore the long-standing concerns about payroll manipulation within the national service system.
New Centralized System Exposes Cartels
The NSA Director-General noted that the centralized management system has significantly improved transparency and accountability. However, she acknowledged that organized cartels continue to attempt infiltration, despite tighter controls.
“The operation has successfully identified and addressed significant irregularities. Cartels continue to attempt infiltration with ghost names, but we are determined to crack down and end this practice,” Seddoh said.
She emphasized that the Authority will pursue full legal action against anyone found culpable, warning that any attempt to compromise the system will attract severe consequences.
Legal Action to Be Pursued Against Culprits
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, December 15, 2025, Seddoh made it clear that the NSA will not shield any individual or institution implicated in the scandal.
She stressed that all cases will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for prosecution, as part of broader efforts to restore public confidence in the national service programme.
The Director-General added that the Authority is working closely with security agencies to ensure that investigations are thorough and evidence-based.
National Service Registration Portal Reopens for Final Week
As part of administrative measures, the NSA announced that the National Service registration portal will be reopened for one final week, from Monday, December 15 to Monday, December 22, 2025.
To improve accessibility, Saturday, December 20, 2025, has been added as an extra registration day.
Seddoh emphasized that this extension is final.
“After December 22, the portal will be permanently closed for the 2025/2026 service year, as preparations for the deployment of nurses begin at the end of December,” she stated.
Prospective service personnel have therefore been urged to complete all registration processes within the stipulated period.
NSA Criticizes Institutions Rejecting Posted Personnel
In addition to payroll fraud concerns, the NSA raised alarm over institutions that reject national service personnel after initially accepting their postings.
Seddoh expressed disappointment at what she described as last-minute disruptions, citing a specific ministry that rejected nearly 100 service personnel on the final day of validation.
“Such last-minute frustrations undermine the spirit of the national program,” she said.
She described the practice as unacceptable and disruptive to national planning, warning institutions against arbitrary rejections.
Blacklisting Threatened for Non-Compliant Institutions
The NSA Director-General issued a stern warning that institutions that reject personnel without valid reasons and official release letters will face punitive measures.
These measures include:
- Blacklisting from future national service postings
- Reduction or withdrawal of institutional quotas
- Administrative sanctions
She noted that the Authority will no longer tolerate actions that undermine the objectives of the national service scheme.
NSA Writes to Presidency Over Compliance
To strengthen enforcement, the NSA has formally written to the Office of the Presidency through its supervising ministry. The letter insists that all Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and Government Institutions must honor their allocated national service quotas.
Seddoh warned that any entity that fails to comply with NSA directives will face serious consequences, adding that national service remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s human resource development strategy.
Conclusion
The arrest of 10 staff members from UDS, GCTU, and AAMUSTED marks a significant milestone in the National Service Authority’s ongoing efforts to sanitize its payroll and eliminate ghost names. With over 8,000 individuals flagged and hundreds suspended, the scale of the operation underscores the seriousness of the problem.
As investigations continue, the NSA has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. The Authority’s firm stance signals a renewed determination to protect public funds and restore integrity to the national service scheme.
For service personnel, institutions, and the general public, the message is clear: fraud will no longer be tolerated, and accountability is non-negotiable.
