NSA metric app removes 44,000 ghost names

A Metric App, a digital tool, recently launched by the National Service Authority (NSA) to streamline and improve the validation of national service personnel has helped remove 44,000 ghost names from the authority's payroll system.

As a result, the digitalised process has saved the nation over GH¢350 million as of August 2024.

“This achievement is not only commendable but also pivotal in the government’s fight against corruption and waste in the public sector," the Director General of the NSA, Osei Assibey Antwi, disclosed to the Daily Graphic in an exclusive interview on Sunday.

This achievement was highly commended by the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, in his recent visit to the authority.

Mr Assibey Antwi explained that the digitalisation drive being spearheaded by the Vice-President was attributable to the feat.

He said the digital transformation and technology were contributing to national development and enhanced service delivery.

Sharing his thoughts on how digitalisation had helped transform the authority, Mr Assibey Antwi said the authority had also made significant advancements in data management through its Electronic School List Submissions initiative.

He said by developing 'Flare', a secure online platform that allows accredited institutions to submit school lists and connect with user agencies seeking skilled graduates for employment, the initiative had enhanced transparency and efficiency in managing class lists.

"It has mitigated issues such as data breaches and processing errors, while also providing educational institutions with the benefit of real-time processing updates and a streamlined submission process.

"The payment of personnel allowances via Ghana Pay Initiative has further streamlined allowance disbursement. The Ghana Pay platform enables direct payments to personnel's bank accounts, offering a more reliable and user-friendly alternative to the previously problematic Ezwich payment platform," he said.

Revenue

On revenue, he said, financial management had also been revolutionised with the introduction of seamless billing and the IGF Administration App.

This app, according to him, had integrated with the Ghana.GOV payment platform, automating invoicing and receipt generation while offering various payment options.

Impact on deployment

Mr Assibey Antwi explained that the impact of the digitalisation drive had been felt across various facets of national life.

He pointed out that the National Service Authority (NSA) had greatly benefited from these initiatives, particularly in the areas of personnel management and deployment.

The NSA boss said the introduction of an online portal for the registration and deployment of national service personnel had significantly streamlined operations, reduced delays, and minimised the human element in the allocation process.

Operational Efficiency

He said the authority has become more efficient in its operations, especially its online system, which had made it easier for personnel to register, select their preferred regions, and receive their postings without the usual bureaucratic hurdles.