The National Service Authority (NSA) has revealed that significant irregularities have been discovered in three tertiary institutions, resulting in several arrests. Director-General Dela Seddoh announced that 10 staff members from the University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana Communications Technology University (GCTU), and Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) have been apprehended and are under investigation.
She further noted that some NSA employees have also been detained. “The investigations revealed a number of serious irregularities occurring within these institutions. Ten staff members are currently in custody and under investigation by security agencies,” she reported. The arrests follow the rollout of a new centralised management system designed to eliminate ghost names from the scheme.
Seddoh revealed that over 8,000 individuals have already been flagged, and some have been suspended. “We made shocking discoveries that resulted in the flagging of over 8,105 individuals, with 1,840 suspended pending further investigations by the security agencies,” she explained.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, December 15, 2025, Seddoh emphasised that the NSA is pursuing legal action against all individuals found culpable. She warned that attempts to compromise the new system will be met with severe consequences.
“The operation has successfully identified and addressed significant irregularities. Cartels continue to attempt infiltration with ghost names, but we are determined to crack down and end this practice,” she said.
The Director-General announced that the National Service registration portal will be reopened for one final week, from Monday, December 15 to Monday, December 22, 2025. To ensure accessibility, Saturday, December 20 has been added as an extra day.
She stressed that after December 22, the portal will be permanently closed for the 2025/2026 service year, as preparations for the deployment of nurses begin at the end of December.
Seddoh expressed disappointment at institutions that reject service personnel after initially accepting postings. She cited one ministry that issued rejection letters to nearly 100 personnel on the final day of validation, describing the move as disruptive and unacceptable.
“Such last-minute frustrations undermine the spirit of the national program. Institutions that reject personnel without valid reasons and official release letters will face punitive action, including blacklisting from subsequent postings,” she warned. The NSA has formally written to the Office of the Presidency through its supervising ministry, insisting that all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Government Institutions must honour their quotas. Seddoh cautioned that any entity failing to comply with NSA directives will face serious consequences.
By Beatrice Sowah