The National Service Authority (NSA) has uncovered a significant payroll fraud scheme in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region, implicating two senior officials—the District Manager and the MI5 Manager—in a deliberate effort to siphon funds through the illegal validation of ineligible personnel.

The fraudulent activity was brought to light through a collaboration between the NSA and a whistleblower. During a meeting held earlier today, both officers were confronted with substantial evidence of their involvement and subsequently admitted to the misconduct.

They have since been interdicted, pending further investigations.

Preliminary findings suggest that the two managers illegally processed monthly allowances for at least 29 individuals in the 2024/2025 service year and 49 individuals in the 2023/2024 service year.

These individuals were either on "Study Leave with Pay" or already engaged in full-time employment, but were falsely presented as regular National Service Personnel.

According to the NSA, this case is indicative of a wider systemic problem that has plagued the Authority nationwide.

The fraudulent scheme enabled salaried employees—including teachers, nurses, midwives, customs officers, and others working in public and private sector institutions—to receive additional monthly service allowances by concealing their employment status and enrolling as regular service personnel.

The Authority clarified that while individuals who have not yet fulfilled their mandatory national service obligation may register and serve even while employed, they are not entitled to monthly service allowances. This is because they continue to earn salaries from their respective employers, making them ineligible for the financial benefits reserved for regular service personnel.

As part of broader reforms, the NSA is intensifying efforts to clean up the national service enrolment process and eliminate fraudulent practices that drain public resources and undermine the credibility of the programme.

The management has reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and transparency, vowing to pursue all individuals involved in similar schemes across the country and ensure that perpetrators face the full rigour of the law.