10 hours ago
Gifty Oware-Mensah, a former Deputy Director of the National Service Authority (NSA) and a member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council, has been detained by the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) over an ongoing payroll fraud investigation. She was arrested on Friday, March 7, 2025, and has been denied bail despite several attempts to secure her release. Reports indicate that John Boadu, a former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), initially signed for her bail. However, she was later relocated from the NIB premises, and her current whereabouts remain unknown. Oware-Mensah was among the individuals expected to appear before investigators regarding the NSA ghost-name scandal, an issue that has attracted national attention. Her detention is part of a broader crackdown on financial irregularities, as authorities intensify efforts to identify those responsible for the fraudulent payroll scheme within the NSA.
Her arrest follows a recent directive from President John Dramani Mahama, who, in his first State of the Nation Address, called for swift action against individuals implicated in the scandal. The case gained further momentum after an investigative exposé by The Fourth Estate revealed widespread corruption within the NSA, prompting authorities to track down suspects. Some individuals linked to the fraud have reportedly fled the country to evade prosecution, leading the President to order the freezing of their assets while investigations continue. Meanwhile, the recent dramatic arrest of Ohene Djan, the former Deputy Director of Operations at the NSA, has added to the growing scrutiny on the agency. With multiple high-profile figures now under investigation, the government aims to restore accountability in public institutions and prevent further financial misconduct.
Oware-Mensah, who owns Berry Ladies FC, had only just returned to Ghana on Tuesday, March 5, 2025, following a vacation abroad after the 2024 elections. Her sudden detention has sparked discussions regarding the depth of corruption in the NSA and the extent of political influence in the ongoing probe. While some view the arrests as a necessary step towards justice, others speculate about the political motivations behind the crackdown. The unfolding investigation highlights the government's resolve to address financial mismanagement in public offices, but questions remain about whether all those involved will be held accountable. As authorities continue to uncover new details, the case is expected to have significant implications for governance and anti-corruption efforts in Ghana.
Total Comments: 0