The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has revealed a comprehensive breakdown of the staggering GH¢548 million lost to the state through a long-running ghost names scandal at the National Service Scheme (NSS).

Addressing the media at a press briefing on Friday, June 13, Dr. Ayine said investigations uncovered that the losses spanned a six-year period and were masterminded by a network involving former directors of the NSS across various regions.

According to the Attorney General, the elaborate payroll fraud scheme involved inserting fictitious names — or "ghosts" — into the NSS payroll system, allowing those involved to divert large sums of money illegally.


“This was a well-coordinated operation by a cabal within the NSS that exploited systemic loopholes to siphon off state funds through nonexistent service personnel,” Dr. Ayine stated.

Yearly Breakdown of the Stolen Funds:

• 2018/2019 – GH¢25,857,836.16

• 2019/2020 – GH¢21,613,962.24

• 2020/2021 – GH¢55,670,584.32

• 2021/2022 – GH¢61,383,025.74

• 2022/2023 – GH¢350,926,977.12

• 2023/2024 – GH¢32,881,157.07

Totaling GH¢548,333,543.65, the scandal ranks as one of the most significant public sector payroll fraud cases in Ghana’s recent history.

Dr. Ayine emphasized that prosecutions will follow, and the government is committed to
recovering the stolen funds. “We are working closely with relevant agencies, including the Auditor-General and EOCO, to ensure accountability and justice,” he added.