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It Couldn’t Be a Mistake — NSS Deputy DG Questions Intent Behind Ghost Names Fraud
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The Deputy Director-General of Operations at the National Service Authority (NSA), Major Moses Dok Nach Kpengu, believes the recent ghost names scandal that led to the loss of millions of cedis from the Authority’s coffers could not have been a mere mistake.
Speaking to the media, Major Kpengu revealed that the irregularities were either the result of a failed system or the deliberate actions of individuals who intended to siphon public funds.
“The system failed us, or it could be that people were intentional about causing financial irregularities. If the system did not fail us, how did ghost names enter the system and allow people to siphon millions of cedis?” he quizzed.
He noted that although he was not in office when the incident occurred, the available data suggests that the fraud could have been prevented if the system had been properly monitored.
According to him, “It baffles my mind that when you have 100,000 registered names uploaded into the system and later validate more than 100,000, you don’t flag it. If you go ahead to pay salaries for 120,000 when only 100,000 were registered, it means someone knew about it. Otherwise, why would you pay the extra 20,000?”
Major Kpengu explained that such a situation could only point to two possibilities — a major system failure or intentional wrongdoing by some individuals within the service.
He further disclosed that the Attorney General’s Department is currently handling the matter, and the National Service Authority has introduced new measures and internal controls to prevent similar irregularities in the future.
“We have put in place certain structures to make sure this kind of thing does not happen again,” he assured.
The ghost names scandal at the National Service Secretariat has raised serious concerns about accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.
The government, through the relevant authorities, is currently investigating the incident as part of broader efforts to strengthen systems and restore public confidence in state institutions.
— By Jacob Aggrey
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested five people and retrieved firearms, ammunition and other offensive items during an intelligence led operation at Sapeiman Faase in the Greater Accra Region.
According to a press release issued by the Command on Monday, the operation was carried out jointly with the National Police Intelligence Directorate (NPID) on July 17, 2026.
The Police identified the suspects as Torgbui Agah Semaglo, 50, Shadrach Agah Semaglo, 22, William Kweku Sedanu, 21, Cyril Kassenu, 26, and Kingsford Agah Semaglo, 18.
The Command said a search at the suspects’ premises led to the retrieval of a pump action gun, a Stoeger ST R9 pistol, a dummy Austria pistol, a jackknife, a face mask, 12 BB cartridges, three rounds of 9mm ammunition, one AK-47 round of ammunition, a talisman and two kitchen knives.
It noted that all the items had been kept as exhibits to support investigations.
The Police said preliminary investigations suggested that the suspects were members of a criminal group involved in armed robbery and landguard activities.
It alleged that they used the recovered weapons to terrorise residents in Sapeiman and nearby communities.
The suspects are currently in Police custody assisting with investigations, while efforts continue to determine their involvement in other robbery cases and related criminal activities. The Police also said it was working to identify and arrest any additional accomplices.
The Accra Regional Police Command commended members of the public for providing credible information that supported its work and urged residents to remain vigilant.
It encouraged the public to report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Police emergency numbers, adding that it remained committed to protecting lives and property across the region.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that a revised national curriculum for kindergarten to junior high school will be presented to the Ministry of Education on Wednesday for further approval.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series today, Mr. Iddrisu said the new curriculum was developed by the National Curriculum Assessment Agency (NaCCA) as part of efforts to improve teaching and learning at the basic education level.
According to him, the revised curriculum will be formally submitted to the Ministry before it is forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama. He added that it will then be sent to Cabinet and Parliament for consideration and approval.
Mr. Iddrisu said the revised curriculum is designed to support a “Smart Start” approach by strengthening the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
He explained that the government intends to introduce new subjects, including coding, electronics, artificial intelligence (AI) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), into the basic school curriculum.
The Minister said the changes form part of the government’s commitment to equipping pupils with practical and digital skills needed to meet the demands of the modern world.
He expressed confidence that the revised curriculum would help prepare learners for future opportunities by integrating technology and innovation into education from the early years of schooling.
By: Jacob Aggrey
