A high-profile scandal involving ghost workers has taken a significant turn, with the Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, announcing that some former top officials of the National Service Authority (NSA) will be charged in court next week. The scandal centers around the discovery of 81,885 names on the NSA payroll that could not be traced to any real national service personnel.
The issue came to light during a national headcount ordered by the government to verify the payroll and clear unpaid allowances from August 2024. The exercise revealed the alarming number of ghost names, prompting President John Dramani Mahama to call for a full investigation into the matter. The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, also requested an audit to unravel the extent of the scandal.
The case was first reported by The Fourth Estate in November 2024, shedding light on the magnitude of the scandal and the potential financial implications for the country. In March, the former Executive Director of the NSA, Osei Assibey Antwi, was questioned by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) with his lawyer present, marking a significant development in the investigation.
At a press conference in Accra yesterday, Dr. Ayine indicated that, the investigation has progressed well, and the government is preparing to take the case to court. “We will be filing charges against some of the persons involved from the first week in May, I mean, a few days’ time,” he said.
The Attorney General’s announcement signals a strong commitment to holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
This development is part of a broader effort by the government to tackle corruption and financial irregularities.
Dr. Ayine mentioned that more cases are coming up soon, including investigations into the Sky Train project, the National Cathedral, the procurement of math sets, and the SHS WiFi project.
The government’s determination to pursue justice in these cases underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability.
As the case against the former NSA officials unfolds, it is expected to shed more light on the extent of the ghost workers scandal and the individuals involved. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for the country’s efforts to combat corruption and ensure prudent management of public resources.