THE ATTORNEY General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has announced that twelve individuals will be officially charged in connection with a major financial scandal at the National Service Scheme (NSS), which led to the loss of over GHC548 million.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, June 13, Dr. Ayine stated that investigations into the scandal have been completed and legal proceedings are set to begin.
“Having concluded our investigations, we will be filing charges against twelve suspects who worked as directors and staff of the NSS,” he said.
Among those facing charges are former Deputy Executive Director Gifty Oware-Mensah, alleged to be the mastermind of the operation, and former Executive Director Mustapha Ussif.
The list also includes former Director General Osei Assibey Antwi, former Deputy Executive Director for Operations Kwaku Ohene Gyan, former Internal Auditor Abraham, Bismarck Gaise, Account Officer.
Others are Kwaku Adjei, former Head of Accounts, Iddrisu Abubakar, former Regional Director for Koforidua, Stephen Kwabena Gyamfi, District Director Prince Awuku, and Management Information Systems Administrator in the Northern Region Jacob Yawson.
Two additional unnamed suspects are reportedly involved and will be added once formally identified.
Dr. Akuritinga Ayine disclosed that Stephen Kwabena Gyamfi was re-arrested earlier in the day after new evidence surfaced.
According to the Attorney General, the suspects manipulated systems and processes at the NSS over several years to siphon funds meant for national service operations.
“This is a serious breach of public trust and accountability. We are committed to retrieving every cedi and ensuring those responsible face justice,” he emphasized.
The scandal, involving the insertion of over 81,885 ghost names into the NSS payroll, is reported to have cost the state a staggering GH¢50 million each month.
President John Dramani Mahama has directed that the culprits be declared wanted and their assets frozen as part of efforts to ensure full accountability and recovery of stolen funds.
The case has attracted considerable public attention, with many closely watching the developments surrounding the former NSS officials’ involvement in the scandal.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
