According to new findings, the National Service Authority (NSA) overpaid GH¢1.01 billion to National Service Personnel (NSPs) who received allowances beyond the legally mandated 12-month service period.
Records show that 120,777 service personnel were paid more than the approved 13-month limit, which includes a one-time travel and transport (T&T) allowance.
Some individuals continued drawing monthly allowances for several years after their service officially ended.
A forensic review by the Auditor-General, covering payroll data from 2018 to 2024, uncovered these anomalies.
Presented to Parliament on October 1, 2025, the Technical and Forensic Audit Report noted that the payments violated Act 426 of 1980, which mandates one-year compulsory service for all eligible Ghanaians aged 18 and above.
“Our audit analysis of payroll data revealed widespread anomalies, where some National Service Personnel were paid well beyond the statutory 13-month maximum, with payments spanning multiple years,” the report stated.
The investigation also revealed broader financial irregularities at the NSA, totalling GH¢2.45 billion, including payments to vendors without contracts or proof of delivery.
The Auditor-General described the findings as evidence of “serious lapses in payroll management and internal controls” and recommended a full review of the payroll system and prosecution of those responsible.
