NSA Ghost Names Scandal: The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has arrested Kwaku Ohene Gyan, the former Deputy Director of Operations at the National Service Authority (NSA), in connection with a massive ghost names payroll fraud that has led to significant financial losses for the Ghanaian government.

As part of an ongoing crackdown on corruption, authorities are also searching for Gifty Oware-Mensah, the former Deputy Executive Director of the NSA, who is currently on the run amid mounting pressure from investigators.

Kwaku Ohene Gyan Arrested Amid Widening Investigations

Sources confirm that Kwaku Ohene Gyan, popularly known as Osonoba, was apprehended on Saturday, February 22, 2025, and is currently being held at the NIB headquarters for interrogation. The arrest follows a series of investigations into irregularities in the NSA payroll, where fraudulent entries were allegedly made to siphon public funds through non-existent employees—commonly referred to as ghost names.

The NSA, responsible for administering the National Service Scheme (NSS), is tasked with overseeing the deployment of graduates and personnel for national service. However, recent reports indicate that unauthorized names were added to the payroll, allowing certain officials to divert public funds into private accounts.

Government sources suggest that the financial losses resulting from this fraudulent activity could amount to millions of cedis, sparking public outrage and demands for greater accountability.

Gifty Oware-Mensah on the Run: Security Agencies Intensify Search

As the investigation deepens, authorities are intensifying efforts to locate Gifty Oware-Mensah, the former Deputy Executive Director of the NSA, who has reportedly gone into hiding to evade arrest.

Security officials have tightened surveillance at all major exit points in the country, including borders, airports, and seaports, to prevent her from fleeing Ghana. The NIB is also monitoring financial transactions and communication networks to track her movements and ensure she is brought in for questioning.

Also read: Joe Ghartey Questioned by NIB Over Ghana Sky Train Project

Gifty Oware-Mensah played a key role in overseeing operations at the NSA during her tenure, and investigators believe she may hold critical information regarding the ghost names scandal. If arrested, she will face intensive questioning on her possible involvement and how unauthorized payments were approved.

Ghost Names Payroll Fraud: How the Scam Worked

NSA Ghost Names Scandal: The ghost names scandal at the NSA is part of a broader public sector payroll fraud where fictitious employees are added to salary systems, allowing corrupt officials to withdraw government funds for personal gain.

Investigators believe the fraudulent scheme involved:

1. Adding fake names to the payroll system, creating non-existent service personnel.
2. Redirecting salaries meant for these fake individuals into personal or third-party accounts.
3. Collusion with insiders to approve payments without proper verification.
4. Forging documents to make the fake personnel appear legitimate.

This type of financial mismanagement has been a recurring issue in Ghana’s public sector, leading to revenue losses, inefficiencies, and budgetary shortfalls.

Kwaku Ohene Gyan’s arrest comes shortly after the detention of Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, the former Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), who was implicated in the controversial $2 million Sky Train project scandal.

The failed Ghana Sky Train project, initiated in 2018, aimed to improve urban transportation but never materialized, leading to an official probe into its feasibility and financial transparency. Investigators discovered that millions of dollars were invested without returns, raising serious concerns about mismanagement and financial misconduct.

The simultaneous arrests of Ohene Gyan and Ameyaw-Akumfi highlight the government’s renewed commitment to fighting corruption, particularly in public finance management.

Legal Proceedings and Expected Court Trial

Kwaku Ohene Gyan’s legal team is expected to meet with him tomorrow to strategize his defense and explore legal options for his release. Depending on the investigation’s findings, he could face charges related to:

• Financial mismanagement
• Fraudulent misrepresentation
• Theft of public funds
• Abuse of office

Meanwhile, authorities are urging Gifty Oware-Mensah to turn herself in voluntarily, as evading arrest may lead to harsher legal consequences.

Public Reaction and Government Response

News of the NSA ghost names scandal has sparked public outrage, with many demanding stronger oversight on how public institutions manage payroll and financial records.

Transparency advocates and anti-corruption organizations are calling on the government to enhance auditing processes, enforce stricter penalties, and introduce more robust payroll verification systems to prevent future fraud.

The Ghanaian government has reassured the public that all individuals involved in the scandal will be held accountable, and measures will be taken to recover stolen funds.

A Landmark Corruption Case in Ghana

NSA Ghost Names Scandal: The arrest of Kwaku Ohene Gyan and the ongoing search for Gifty Oware-Mensah signal a turning point in Ghana’s anti-corruption fight. As investigations unfold, authorities are determined to bring all culprits to justice and implement reforms to prevent future financial fraud in government institutions.

Source: 3news.com