The registration process for the 2025/2026 National Service Scheme (NSS) has been temporarily suspended, following the shutdown of the Centralised Management System (CMS) used to coordinate postings.
This development was officially confirmed by the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, during the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House on Monday, August 4, 2025.
The suspension comes in the wake of a presidential directive to take the CMS offline for a comprehensive forensic audit by the Ghana Audit Service, after revelations that the platform was exploited to commit large-scale financial fraud, infamously known as the ghost name scandal.
“This action followed a directive from the presidency, ordering the system to be taken offline for a full audit,” Mr. Opare Addo stated.
He explained that the fraudulent activities, which reportedly led to the siphoning of public funds through the enlistment of fictitious service personnel, triggered a full-blown investigation by national security agencies. The Attorney-General’s office is currently reviewing the case docket for possible prosecution.
While pincodes have already been generated and class lists submitted by all accredited tertiary institutions, registration and payment for national service remain paused until the audit is concluded and a secure system is implemented.
“Approximately 130,000 graduates are expected to be deployed for the 2025/2026 service year,” the Minister said. “But we must ensure the process is clean and secure.”
The temporary halt has sparked concerns among prospective service personnel, many of whom rely on the NSS for professional experience and financial support during their transition into the job market.
In response, the Minister assured the public that plans are in place to introduce a new, more robust system that will ensure transparency, eliminate vulnerabilities, and restore public trust.
“We are developing a comprehensive system that meets all technical specifications and safeguards the integrity of the entire registration and deployment process,” he emphasized.
The Government Accountability Series serves as a platform for sector ministers to provide mid-year performance reviews, update citizens on key projects, and outline corrective measures—particularly in cases of administrative or financial mismanagement.
As investigations continue and reforms are underway, the NSS Secretariat is expected to announce a revised registration timeline in due course.
