Ghana’s President Mahama ordered an investigation into 81,000 ghost names found in the National Service Authority payroll. This finding emerged during a payroll review aimed at addressing delayed payments. Despite releasing significant amounts to legitimate payees, the situation points to deeper corruption concerns in Ghana’s governance, further complicated by the OSP’s pursuit of former Finance Minister Ofori-Atta for related misconduct.
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has initiated an investigation into the National Service Authority after discovering over 81,000 suspected ghost names on its payroll. This revelation came during a headcount aimed at clearing outstanding allowance payments at the agency, which manages mandatory employment placements for graduates, as indicated in the presidency’s statement.
The implications of the ghost names on previous payments remain unclear. The finance ministry recently reported disbursing 226 million Ghana cedis (approximately $14.6 million) to slightly over 98,000 verified payees, as highlighted in the presidency’s release.
Since resuming office in January, Mahama has committed to tackling deep-rooted corruption within Ghana, which is struggling with its worst economic downturn in decades. This effort is part of a broader campaign to restore integrity in governance within the oil and gold-rich nation.
In a related development, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has labeled former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a “wanted fugitive” for his suspected involvement in five corruption-related transactions currently under scrutiny. Ofori-Atta has yet to publicly respond to these allegations.
The investigation initiated by President Mahama highlights significant concerns regarding payroll integrity within Ghana’s National Service Authority. With the discovery of ghost names, the ongoing efforts reflect a broader ambition to combat entrenched corruption. Similarly, the designation of Ofori-Atta as a wanted fugitive underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s commitment to accountability in financial transactions.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
