President John Dramani Mahama has vowed to bring to justice those behind the National Service ‘Ghost Names’ Scandal, in which over 80,000 fictitious names were allegedly added to the payroll, siphoning an estimated GH₵50 million monthly from state coffers.

Delivering the State of the Nation Address in Parliament today, President Mahama described the fraud as a “brazen theft of public funds” and announced that the culprits are being pursued.

“I have already tasked our investigative bodies to bring the perpetrators to justice. Such acts must not go unpunished,” he declared.

The President revealed that some suspects have fled the country and directed that they be declared wanted, their assets traced and frozen until investigations conclude.

To strengthen governance in the National Service Scheme, Mahama announced that the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment will present a legislative instrument to Parliament to aid the implementation of the National Service Authority Act, 2024 (Act 119).

In a bold reform, Mahama also disclosed plans to introduce short military training as part of National Service.

“This will instill a sense of fitness and discipline into our youth,” he stated.

Source: TheDotNews