Ghana’s President Mahama Probes 81,000 Ghost Workers On Payroll

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an investigation into the National Service Authority (NSA) after more than 81,000 suspected ghost names were discovered on its payroll. The revelation came after a headcount aimed at clearing arrears in allowance payments, according to a statement from the presidency, Reuters reports.

The NSA oversees the country’s mandatory one-year employment placements for graduates. While the extent of previous payments made to these ghost names remains unclear, Ghana’s finance ministry had already disbursed 226 million Ghanaian cedis ($14.6 million) to over 98,000 verified payees.

Crackdown on corruption

President Mahama, who began his latest term in January, has pledged to intensify efforts to combat corruption in the West African nation. Ghana, a key oil and gold producer, is emerging from one of its most severe economic crises in decades, making the fight against financial mismanagement a top priority.

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Mahama’s administration aims to root out entrenched corruption, with the NSA scandal highlighting the urgency of reforms. Ghost names—fictitious employees listed on government payrolls—have long been a tactic for siphoning public funds, and the scale of this case underscores systemic vulnerabilities.

Former finance minister declared wanted

In a related development, Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) declared former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta a ‘wanted fugitive’ over his alleged involvement in five corruption-related transactions under investigation. Ofori-Atta has not responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.

These developments mark a critical juncture in Ghana’s anti-corruption drive. As investigations progress, the government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate accountability and restore public trust in state institutions.