Gov’t Suspends National Service Digital Portal Over Ghost Names Scandal

The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has ordered the immediate suspension of the Central Management System (CMS), the digital backbone of Ghana’s national service postings, following a massive payroll fraud scandal that has rocked the National Service Authority (NSA).

A statement dated Wednesday, June 17, confirmed that the Office of the President directed the suspension to enable a comprehensive technical and forensic audit of the CMS platform.

“We are undertaking a thorough audit to safeguard the integrity of the national service scheme,” the Ministry said. “During this period, alternative systems are being put in place to ensure uninterrupted and transparent service delivery.”

Ghost Names Scandal Triggers Shake-Up

The decision follows a damning investigative report from the Attorney-General’s Office, which uncovered 81,885 ghost names on the national service payroll. The fraudulent entries are estimated to have cost the Ghanaian state a staggering GH₵548 million.

The investigation intensified after an exposé by The Fourth Estate, a media watchdog project by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). Its Executive Director, Sulemana Braimah, criticized the continued use of the CMS platform.

“This is the same system used to perpetrate the fraud. It is shocking that we are still relying on it,” he said in a recent interview.

Alternative Posting System Underway

Despite the suspension of the CMS, the Ministry has assured the public—especially the 130,000+ national service personnel recently issued PIN codes—that their postings will proceed through alternative verification systems currently being rolled out.

“We urge all National Service Persons and the general public to remain calm and cooperative with the relevant institutions as we implement new safeguards,” the Ministry added.

Officials emphasized that the goal is to ensure seamless, corruption-free postings while the CMS undergoes scrutiny.

A Critical Turning Point for Public Accountability

This incident has spurred national dialogue on digital governance and accountability, particularly regarding payroll and recruitment systems in public institutions.

Experts believe the forensic audit will likely reveal systemic failures, technical vulnerabilities, and possible collusion within the NSA, paving the way for far-reaching institutional reforms.

Civil society groups, investigative journalists, and affected youth have all called for criminal prosecutions, enhanced transparency, and a new digital framework that prioritizes accountability.

As the investigation unfolds, the future of digital infrastructure in Ghana’s public service now hinges on the integrity and outcomes of this audit. For thousands of Ghanaian youth relying on national service for career entry, the stakes could not be higher.