Gifty Oware Mensah, a former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), entered a not guilty plea to allegations of causing the state to lose more than GH¢38 million.
On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Mrs. Oware Mensah went before the Accra High Court and was formally charged with five counts: theft, money laundering, knowingly inflicting financial harm to the state, and using public office for profit.
The accused allegedly created over 9,934 fake National personnel during her time on duty and illegally benefitted from the monthly allowances paid out under those fake names, according to the prosecution.
The alleged infractions are said to have resulted in financial losses amounting to more
The case is a part of state authorities’ continuous attempts to crack down on financial and administrative irregularities in public organizations, especially those related to ghost name syndicates and payroll fraud.
Bail granted
In his bail application, her lawyer, Nanabayin Ackon, contended that his client was a responsible public servant who had a permanent residence and had no plans to obstruct investigations.
He insisted that Mrs. Oware Mensah was not a flight risk and had provided investigators with her full cooperation. After reviewing the application, the judge granted GH¢10 million bail with three sureties, two of whom had to provide justification.
As part of the bail conditions, the court directed Mrs. Oware Mensah to deposit all her passports with the court’s registry and to report to the police on the first Tuesday and Thursday of every month until the case is determined.
Before the next hearing date, the prosecution must file and serve all witness testimonies and supporting documentation. For the purpose of case management, the case has been postponed until November 18, 2025.