The National Service Authority (NSA) has been hit by a staggering corruption scandal after an audit revealed that more than 1,000 babies, some under a year old, and nearly 3,000 pensioners over 80 years old were illegally listed on its payroll. The shocking revelation has raised serious questions about accountability and transparency within the institution.

On June 18, 2025, the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, acting on the orders of President John Dramani Mahama, suspended the NSA’s Central Management System (CMS) over integrity concerns. The move has temporarily stalled this year’s national service postings.

Audit Exposes Systemic Failures

According to NSA officials, the payroll system failed to flag clear irregularities.

“If the system were foolproof, we wouldn’t have had children under one year without a Ghana Card being on our payroll,” an NSA official revealed. “We had almost 1,000 kids under one year on our system.”

The audit also found that about 3,000 individuals aged above 80—well beyond the official exit age of 40—were receiving monthly allowances.

“The exit years for everybody is 40 years. So how come people above 40 years were found under the system?” the official questioned.

Postings to Be Released on November 1

Despite the scandal, the NSA has reassured prospective service personnel that their postings will not be delayed indefinitely.

“The transition team has been put in place and the framework for the new system has been set up. I can assure prospective personnel to calm down, as by November 1 postings will be done,” Acting Executive Director Ruth Seddoh told JoyNews.

Administrative Shake-Ups at the NSA

The payroll scandal has already led to administrative changes within the Authority. Former Acting Director Felix Gyamfi has been reassigned to the Ministry of Finance, while new reforms are being introduced to ensure that future payrolls and postings are accurate, transparent, and corruption-free.

Impact on Ghana’s National Service Scheme

The revelations have intensified public calls for stronger oversight of the NSA. Analysts warn that the scandal not only undermines public trust but also drains critical resources meant for Ghana’s youth engaged in national service programmes.

The government has pledged to clean up the payroll system, restore transparency, and hold accountable those who allowed such discrepancies to thrive.