The National Service Authority (NSA) has uncovered widespread fraud within the 2025/2026 national service registration database, exposing 8,105 suspicious names and suspending 1,840 individuals. The discovery has led to multiple arrests and is expected to save the state approximately GH¢68.64 million annually, reinforcing transparency and accountability in Ghana’s national service scheme.
Universities and Officials Linked to Registration Irregularities
Investigations traced the fraudulent entries to three tertiary institutions:
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University for Development Studies (UDS)
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Ghana Communications Technology University (GCTU)
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Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED)
As a result, 10 university staff members and several NSA officials have been arrested and are currently under investigation by security agencies.
How the NSA Detected and Eliminated Ghost Names
The NSA implemented a new digital verification and management system to dismantle entrenched “ghost name” networks. The process involved:
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Automated Data Cross-Checks
Matching university submissions with NSA records and the National Identification Authority (NIA) database. -
Forensic Payment Analysis
Reviewing allowance payment trails to identify irregularities. -
On-Site Institutional Verification
Engaging university administrators to validate submitted student records. -
Centralised IT Reforms
Shutting down the old system and deploying a robust, secure management platform.
These measures successfully prevented further financial losses and restored public confidence in the scheme.
Official Remarks from the NSA Director-General
Addressing the media in Accra, Director-General Ruth Dela Seddoh stated:
“The authority has strengthened its verification protocols by introducing automated cross-checks between institutional databases and NSA records before final approvals are granted.”
She further warned:
“We have shut the doors that allowed ghost names to thrive, and anyone who attempts to infiltrate the system again will face the full rigours of the law.”
Ms Seddoh confirmed that legal action was underway against all culpable individuals and institutions.
2025/2026 National Service Registration Timeline Explained
The Director-General outlined the transparent registration process:
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October 7, 2025 – Registration announcement
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October 8 – Online registration begins
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October 15 – Initial deadline
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October 24 – Extended deadline after consultations
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October 28 – Posting of 89,159 personnel
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December 12 – Official closure of registration portal
Regional validation began immediately after postings to ensure only eligible personnel were deployed.
Why the NSA Closed the Registration Portal
According to Ms Seddoh, portal closure was necessary to:
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Enable timely deployment of teachers and nurses
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Confirm physical presence of personnel
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Eliminate ghost registrations
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Ensure prompt payment of allowances to verified personnel
These steps were critical to maintaining service efficiency in schools and health facilities nationwide.
Addressing Data Mismatches and Operational Challenges
The NSA identified persistent data mismatches between university records and NIA information, often due to past name or age changes. To resolve this, the authority:
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Established specialised support desks nationwide
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Negotiated reduced gazette fees
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Partnered with the NIA and Ghana Publishing Company for on-site corrections
FAQs: NSA Ghost Names and National Service Registration
1. What are ghost names in national service?
They are fraudulent or non-existent registrants receiving allowances illegally.
2. How much has the NSA saved the state?
Approximately GH¢68.64 million annually.
3. Will affected individuals be prosecuted?
Yes, legal action is ongoing against all culpable parties.
4. Can institutions reject posted personnel?
Only with valid reasons and official release letters; otherwise, sanctions apply.
