NSS SCANDAL: WE ARE NOT AGAINST ACCOUNTABILITY.

GIFTY OWARE-MENSAH, THE FORMER DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah, is scheduled to appear before the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in connection with allegations of fraudulently adding over 80,000 ghost names to the Authority’s payroll.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin confirmed her return to Ghana, stating that she is ready to cooperate with investigators.

Mr Afenyo-Markin reiterated the fact that the NPP is not against accountability. He however cautioned that in asking for accountability, due process must be followed.

Gifty Oware-Mensah, the former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), is under investigation due to the discovery of over 81,000 suspected ghost names on the National Service Scheme (NSS) payroll. A recent headcount revealed a significant discrepancy between the actual number of active service personnel and the payroll data submitted by the previous management. Specifically, there are currently 98,145 active service personnel, contrasting sharply with the 180,030 names presented for allowance payments in 2024, indicating 81,885 potentially fraudulent entries.

This alleged payroll fraud is reported to have cost the state approximately GH₵50 million each month. As the Deputy Executive Director responsible for administration and finance at the NSS during the period under investigation, Gifty Oware-Mensah is considered a key figure in the ongoing probe.

In response to these allegations, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an investigation into the operations of the NSA to address the suspected payroll fraud.

Oware-Mensah has returned to Ghana and is expected to cooperate with the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in their investigations.

MICHAEL OPPONG-AMPONSAH