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NSS Ghost Names Scandal: Gifty Oware-Mensah Released From NIB Custody
The scandal has led to a series of arrests and interrogations as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the fraud. Recently, Kwaku Ohene Gyan, also known as Osonoba, the former Deputy Director of Operations at the NSS, was detained in connection with the probe. Additionally, Yaw Danso, an accountant at the NSS, has been questioned by the NIB, although he has denied any involvement in the scandal.
Gifty Oware-Mensah, the former Deputy Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), has been released by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) after being detained for questioning in connection with the ongoing NSS ghost names scandal. Oware-Mensah was taken into custody on Friday, March 7, 2024, as part of the investigation into the alleged payroll fraud that has rocked the nation. She was released on Saturday, March 8, following initial interrogation but is expected to be recalled for further questioning in the coming days. The specific terms of her bail agreement with the NIB have not been disclosed.
Background of the Scandal
The NSS ghost names scandal has sent shockwaves across Ghana, with allegations that billions of cedis have been siphoned from public funds through fraudulent means. An investigative report by The Fourth Estate uncovered widespread payroll fraud within the NSS, revealing thousands of fake names and fraudulent student index numbers linked to some of Ghana’s leading universities. The scandal, which spans the eight-year tenure of former President Nana Akufo-Addo (2017–2024), exposed that fraudulent identities had infiltrated the system as far back as 2018, resulting in an estimated loss of 2.2 billion cedis.
The fake index numbers were associated with prominent institutions, including Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University for Development Studies (UDS), University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Tamale Technical University, Valley View University (VVU), and several colleges of education. The revelations have sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about financial mismanagement and corruption within the NSS.
Related Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
The scandal has led to a series of arrests and interrogations as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the fraud. Recently, Kwaku Ohene Gyan, also known as Osonoba, the former Deputy Director of Operations at the NSS, was detained in connection with the probe. Additionally, Yaw Danso, an accountant at the NSS, has been questioned by the NIB, although he has denied any involvement in the scandal.
The investigations are ongoing, with more arrests and interrogations anticipated as authorities seek to hold those responsible accountable. The scandal has underscored the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent such large-scale fraud in the future and restore public trust in Ghana’s institutions.
As the probe continues, Ghanaians are closely watching developments, demanding transparency and justice in the wake of one of the most significant corruption scandals in recent years.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com
