Former Executive Director Mustapha Ussif
Yagaba-Kubori MP and former Executive Director of the National Service Scheme, Mustapha Ussif, has strongly denied any wrongdoing in connection with the GH¢548 million payroll fraud scandal that has engulfed the Authority (NSA).
In a statement issued on Friday, June 13, Mr. Ussif said he was aware of the Attorney General’s press conference announcing upcoming prosecutions but maintained that he served with “diligence and honesty” during his tenure at the NSS from February 2017 to January 2021.
“It is my fervent belief that once you hold public office, you should at all material times, and at whatever cost, be ready, willing, and able to account for your stewardship,” he said. “Therefore, I wish to state that I am ready, willing, and able to account for my stewardship at the National Service Scheme.”
He added that he welcomed any opportunity to do so, including having his day in court, and called for calm from his supporters and constituents.
Mr. Ussif’s response follows a major announcement by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, that twelve former officials of the NSA will soon face criminal charges for their alleged roles in a large-scale payroll fraud scheme that cost the state over GH¢548 million.
At a press briefing in Accra earlier on Friday, Dr. Ayine disclosed that investigations had been concluded into what he described as “a well-organised network of corruption” within the Authority. He confirmed that prosecution dockets are being finalised.
Among those listed for prosecution are several high-profile former officials of the National Service Authority, including:
Mustapha Ussif, former Executive Director
Osei Assibey Antwi, former Director-General
Gifty Oware-Mensah, former Deputy Executive Director
Kweku Ohene Gyan, former Deputy Executive Director for Operations
Abraham Bismark Gaisie, former Head of Deployment
Eric Nyarko, former Head of Accounts
Albert Oteng Owusu, former Internal Auditor
Kweku Dekyi Agyei, Accounts Officer
Iddrisu Ibn Abu-Bakr, former Head of Accounts
Stephen Kwabena Gyamfi, Koforidua Municipal Director
Prince Agbofa Awuku, District Director
Jacob Yawson, MIS Administrator, Northern Regional Office
The scandal, which dates back several years, involves allegations of ghost names, double postings, and manipulation of deployment data across various NSA district offices.
While official charges have not yet been filed, political and civil society pressure is mounting for a swift and transparent legal process.