NSS Ghost Names Scandal: Ex-Director Allegedly Paid MP to Kill Story
Ghana’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has disclosed that former Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei Assibey Antwi allegedly paid a Ghanaian Member of Parliament to suppress media coverage of the recent ghost names scandal. This revelation comes amid ongoing investigations into widespread corruption within the National Service Scheme (NSS).
Dr. Ayine confirmed that significant progress has been made in uncovering fraudulent activities within the NSS. Eight suspects linked to the scandal have been interrogated with several providing incriminating evidence. He stated We now have evidence of payments that were made into the accounts of the top executives of the National Service by private vendors of the scheme. Additionally, evidence indicates that in November 2024, the CEO of the NSS and others paid a Ghanaian Member of Parliament to suppress media coverage and defend them.
The ghost names scandal surfaced following a government-initiated headcount of active National Service personnel, which uncovered 81,885 suspected ghost names on the payroll. This discrepancy represents the difference between the actual number of active personnel and the payroll data submitted by the previous management of the NSA.
In response to these findings, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) interrogated Osei Assibey Antwi regarding his alleged involvement in the scandal. The NIB’s investigation aims to hold accountable those responsible for defrauding the state through the inclusion of ghost names on the NSS payroll.
The government remains committed to combating corruption and ensuring transparency within public institutions. The Attorney General’s office has assured the public that all individuals implicated in the NSS ghost names scandal will face prosecution, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to upholding integrity in public service.
As investigations proceed, the government urges citizens to support efforts to eradicate corruption and promote accountability within all sectors of governance.: