“Ghost Names Will Be Sent Back to the Cemetery” – YEA CEO Warns

According to a report by GHOne TV on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has issued a stern warning against fraudulent practices within the agency’s system.

Speaking on the matter, Mr. Basintale said any “ghost name” found in the agency’s database as a fake beneficiary would be removed. “Any ghost name we find in Youth Employment Agency’s system as a fake beneficiary will be sent back to the cemetery,” he stated.

The remark signals a firm stance on payroll fraud and the padding of beneficiary lists. In Ghana, the term “ghost names” refers to fictitious or non-existent individuals added to public payrolls, often to divert state resources. Such practices have long drawn public concern because they drain funds meant for genuine beneficiaries.

The Youth Employment Agency was established to create job opportunities and support the skills development of young people across the country. Its programmes depend on accurate beneficiary records to ensure that limited resources reach the intended recipients. Mr. Basintale’s statement suggests that the agency is committed to cleaning up its records and strengthening accountability.

While the report did not give details of the verification or audit measures to be used, the CEO’s comments point to a zero-tolerance approach. Observers say credible systems for validating beneficiaries, such as biometric checks and regular audits, are essential to preventing payroll irregularities.

The warning is also likely to serve as a deterrent to officials or individuals who may be tempted to manipulate the system for personal gain. By making his position public, the CEO has put the agency’s integrity under the spotlight and invited Ghanaians to hold the institution accountable.

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