Former National Service Authority Director Mustapha Ussif has vehemently denied any involvement in a massive GH¢548 million payroll fraud scheme that allegedly took place during his tenure at the institution. The Yagaba-Kubori Member of Parliament has released a detailed statement asserting his innocence and expressing his willingness to face legal scrutiny in what has become one of Ghana’s most significant financial scandals.
The scale of the alleged fraud
The Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, has revealed that the criminal enterprise responsible for the staggering loss involved the creation of ghost names in the NSA payroll system by certain directors and staff. These ghost names were then used to embezzle state funds for personal gain. The scandal saw 81,885 ghost names inserted into the National Service Scheme’s payroll, allowing perpetrators to siphon public funds on a massive scale. The NSS payroll in 2024 listed 180,030 names, with only 98,145 confirmed to be in active service, leading to an inflation of 81,885 ghost names costing the state approximately GH¢50 million every month.
Ussif’s response and background
Mr. Ussif, who led the NSA from 2017 to 2020, has emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability throughout his public service career. He has maintained that his administration was marked by diligence and integrity. In a statement, he stated, “It is my fervent belief that once you hold public office, you should be ready, willing, and able to account for your stewardship.” He further expressed his readiness to account for his tenure at the National Service Scheme and welcomed any legal challenge.
The broader investigation
The investigation into the alleged financial irregularities at the National Service Authority has implicated several individuals, 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; and Abraham Bismark Gaisie, former Head of Deployment. The investigation has uncovered how officials circumvented validation processes for payments, allowing thousands of nonexistent names to be added to the payroll.
Ussif welcomes legal challenge
Mr. Ussif has embraced the prospect of legal proceedings as an opportunity to vindicate himself and restore his reputation. He has expressed confidence in the judicial process and called for restraint from his supporters. He stated, “I welcome any opportunity to have my day in court and urge all well-wishers to remain calm, knowing that I have served with diligence and honesty throughout my public life.”
The NSS scandal represents a significant case of alleged financial malfeasance in Ghana’s public sector, revealing systemic weaknesses in public financial management systems. The prosecution of this case will serve as a test of the current administration’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring accountability in public office.
