Investigative journalist Kwaku Krobea Asante of The Fourth Estate has disclosed the names of officials who oversaw the National Service Authority (NSA) during former President Akufo-Addo’s tenure when the ghost names scandal emerged.
Asante’s revelations are based on an investigative report published by The Fourth Estate in November 2024. Speaking on Channel One TV, he identified Henry Nana Boakye, Osei Assibey Antwi, Mustapha Ussif, Gifty Oware, and Kwaku Ohene Djan as the key figures managing the NSA during the period when fraudulent payments were made.
However, he clarified that the report does not accuse these former officials of embezzlement but rather underscores their role in overseeing the scheme at the time of the irregularities.
“The period we focused on included Henry Nana Boakye—Nana B, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, the former Sports Minister, the immediate past Director General Osei Assibey Antwi, Deputy Director Gifty Oware Mensah, and Deputy Director Kwaku Ohene Djan,” Asante explained.
“Our point is not necessarily to say they stole money, but that they were responsible for managing the scheme,” he added.
His disclosure comes in the wake of President John Dramani Mahama’s directive for an investigation into 81,885 suspected ghost names on the NSA payroll.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, stated that these discrepancies were uncovered during a headcount of active national service personnel.
The audit, requested by Minister for Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is part of a broader effort to clear outstanding allowance arrears dating back to August 2024.
SOURCE: Citinewsroom
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