GHANA’S President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an investigation into the National Service Authority (NSA) after more than 81,000 suspected ghost names were discovered on its payroll. The revelation came after a headcount aimed at clearing arrears in allowance payments, according to a statement from the presidency, Reuters reports.
The NSA oversees the country’s mandatory one-year employment placements for graduates. While the extent of previous payments made to these ghost names remains unclear, Ghana’s finance ministry had already disbursed 226 million Ghanaian cedis ($14.6 million) to over 98,000 verified payees.
Crackdown on corruption
President Mahama, who began his latest term in January, has pledged to intensify efforts to combat corruption in the West African nation. Ghana, a key oil and gold producer, is emerging from one of its most severe economic crises in decades, making the fight against financial mismanagement a top priority.
Mahama’s administration aims to root out entrenched corruption, with the NSA scandal highlighting the urgency of reforms. Ghost names—fictitious employees listed on government payrolls—have long been a tactic for siphoning public funds, and the scale of this case underscores systemic vulnerabilities.
Former finance minister declared wanted
In a related development, Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) declared former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta a ‘wanted fugitive’ over his alleged involvement in five corruption-related transactions under investigation. Ofori-Atta has not responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
These developments mark a critical juncture in Ghana’s anti-corruption drive. As investigations progress, the government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate accountability and restore public trust in state institutions.
