By King Amoah.
The presidential directives to investigate alleged ghost names within the National Service Scheme (NSS), a significant portion of the Ghanaian public is expressing its hope for a swift and thorough investigation by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB).
The directive stems from the discovery of over 280 ghost names reportedly costing the state over Ghc 500 million.
In exclusive interviews, several Ghanaians commended President John Dramani Mahama for taking action, viewing the alleged insertion of ghost names onto payrolls and subsequent encashment as a deliberate scandal deserving of severe punishment if proven true.
Bright Mingle, a former National Service personnel, welcomed the investigation. “At the time these deals were unfolding,” he stated, “the management of the Scheme frequently failed to pay service personnel their allowances, often resorting to fabricated stories. We even had to threaten demonstrations. The leadership of the National Service Scheme (NSS) has proven themselves to be criminals based on this disgraceful drama.”
Joe Mensah, a civil servant, echoed this sentiment, calling the situation “a deliberate scandal to rob the state.” He further urged the NIB to hold the Scheme’s Chief Executive, Deputy, Internal Auditors, and Accountants accountable for their alleged inability to detect and prevent the fraud.
Echoing concerns about internal culpability, Prince Ofori, a Marketing Officer, questioned the role of the Scheme’s Computer Department. He described the operation as a “cabal” or “operative syndicate” within the NSS, designed to exploit government coffers for personal gain.
The scandal came to light after workers reportedly prevented the Deputy Manager of the Scheme, a female official, from fleeing the country. These workers subsequently leaked the information to the public, prompting the president’s intervention.
Now that presidential directives are in place, Ghanaians are optimistic that justice will be served. They are calling for a comprehensive and transparent investigation, with the expectation that those found guilty will be brought to book and punished to the full extent of the law.
The public awaits the outcome of the NIB’s investigation with keen interest, hoping for a resolution that will deter future corruption and safeguard public funds. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
Picture attached: Former CEO of National Service Scheme (NSS) Osei Assibey Antwi and his Deputy.
