The National Investigations Bureau (NIB) is intensifying its investigation into the ghost names scandal that has plagued the National Service Authority (NSA). The probe has now ensnared Osei Assibey Antwi, the former Executive Director of the NSA, who was recently interrogated by the NIB.

Sources confirm that Mr. Assibey Antwi appeared before the NIB on Thursday, March 20, accompanied by his legal counsel, following an invitation from the investigative body. He faced several hours of questioning regarding his alleged involvement in the fraudulent enlistment of non-existent personnel onto the NSA payroll, a scheme that has raised serious concerns about financial mismanagement within the organization.

Mr. Assibey Antwi is the latest high-profile figure to be questioned in connection with the scandal. Previously, Gifty Oware Mensah, a former Deputy Director in charge of Finance and Administration, was apprehended and interrogated upon her return to the country. Kwaku Ohene Djan, another former Deputy Executive Director of the NSA, was also detained and questioned regarding the allegations.

The NIB's investigation was triggered by an exposé by The Fourth Estate, which uncovered widespread irregularities within the NSA scheme. The probe centers on allegations that thousands of ghost names were used to defraud the state of millions of cedis in allowances. Government sources indicate a significant discrepancy in the National Service payroll, with 81,885 suspected ghost names identified.

According to official figures, there are currently 98,145 active service personnel. However, the previous management of the NSA had presented 180,030 names for allowance payment in 2024. This discrepancy of 81,885 names has been flagged as potentially fraudulent or inflated, representing a major misuse of public funds. Reports suggest that the alleged payroll fraud has cost the state a staggering GHȼ50 million each month.

The ghost names scandal has prompted calls for stricter oversight and accountability within the NSA. Stakeholders are urging the government to take decisive action against individuals found culpable in order to restore public confidence in the scheme. The NIB's investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected as the probe progresses.