Auditor-General’s Report Uncovers Irregularities in National Service Scheme
Accra, Ghana – A recent audit report by the Auditor-General’s office has revealed widespread irregularities in the National Service Scheme, including payroll fraud and improper enrollment of individuals. The report, which covers the period from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2024, highlights several instances of misconduct, including the case of former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware Mensah.
According to the report, Gifty Oware Mensah was enrolled as a National Service Personnel (NSP) despite already being a full-time salaried public officer. The audit found that her enrollment was approved by then-Executive Director of the NSA, Mustapha Ussif, who is now a Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubori. As a result, Mensah received monthly allowances totaling GH¢6,708.48 for the 2021/2022 service period.
The report also notes that the enrollment was based on a Master of Public Administration degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Furthermore, the audit discovered that multiple Ezwich Unique Serial Numbers (USNs) were used against duplicated National Service Numbers (NSS Numbers), resulting in anomalous transactions.
The Auditor-General’s report raises questions about the oversight and accountability within the National Service Scheme. The findings highlight the need for stronger controls and more effective management to prevent such irregularities in the future ¹.