The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Mr. Abraham Koomson, has lauded Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, for their vigilance in exposing the payroll fraud scandal at the National Service Scheme (NSS), which has resulted in the discovery of a GH¢548 million ghost workers scheme.

According to Mr. Koomson, it was Dr. Forson’s keen attention to detail that first raised red flags when his office received a payment request that failed to specify the amount involved.

The anomaly triggered further scrutiny, eventually leading to the uncovering of a massive payroll fraud involving 81,885 ghost names — individuals allegedly drawing allowances without rendering any service.

Mr. Koomson praised the Finance Minister's proactive oversight.

“I must commend the Finance Minister. If he hadn’t raised questions, we might never have known about this situation.

This is the kind of vigilance we need in public office,” he said.

His comments come amid ongoing investigations by the Office of the Attorney-General into the roles played by senior officials of the NSS, including its Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Koomson emphasised the need for accountability, stating that all those found culpable — regardless of their status — must face justice.

“If an investigation is conducted and people are found to have misconducted themselves, then they ought to face the music, as it were,” he stressed.

He also called on organised labour and civil society to stay engaged and monitor proceedings to ensure thorough reform of the NSS and prevent further abuse of public funds.

He made this comment speaking on Tema -based Ahotor FM.