GHC 548 Million Lost to NSS Ghost Names Fraud; 12 Suspects to Be Prosecuted – Deputy AG Ayine

Accra, Ghana –
In a shocking revelation that underscores ongoing challenges with public sector accountability, Deputy Attorney General Dominic Ayine has announced that Ghana has lost more than GHC 548 million due to ghost names on the National Service Scheme (NSS) payroll.

Addressing Parliament, Ayine disclosed that investigations uncovered systemic manipulation and fraudulent inclusion of non-existent personnel—popularly known as “ghost names”—on the NSS database over several years.

“This is a gross betrayal of public trust. We cannot sit idly while taxpayers' money is siphoned by corrupt networks,” Ayine stated.

He confirmed that twelve suspects identified through forensic audits and collaborative intelligence work are to be charged and prosecuted. Their roles reportedly range from payroll administrators to NSS officials who manipulated records for personal gain.

The scandal has sparked widespread public outrage and renewed calls for deep digital reforms across Ghana’s public financial systems. Civil society organizations have already begun pushing for biometric verification and stricter audits in all government payroll operations.

Analysts warn that if such massive fraud can occur within the NSS—a transitional service for graduates—then other agencies may also be vulnerable.

Ayine assured the public that his office will pursue the case diligently and ensure that justice is served without fear or favor.

“The era of impunity is over. Those who steal from the state will be made to answer,” he declared.

The Attorney General’s department is also reportedly working on asset recovery measures to retrieve lost funds.