Former Sekondi Member of Parliament, Andrew Egyapa Mercer

Former Sekondi Member of Parliament, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has expressed support for the ongoing investigation into the GH¢548 million National Service Scheme (NSS) ghost worker scandal, stating that corrupt individuals within any government must be held accountable.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, the former deputy minister acknowledged that even well-meaning administrations, like the Akufo-Addo government in which he served, may have “bad nuts” who engage in misconduct.

“I served in a government of good men with a clear objective to serve Ghana, but in every house, there’s a Mensah,” Mercer remarked, emphasising that corrupt individuals must face consequences.

The Attorney General’s office is currently probing senior NSS officials, including the CEO, over allegations of orchestrating a payroll fraud scheme involving 81,885 ghost names, which led to significant financial losses for the state over several years.

Egyapa Mercer stressed the importance of due process, noting that investigations ensure accountability for the guilty while allowing the innocent to clear their names.

“If people are found to have misconducted themselves, they must face the consequences. A thorough probe holds offenders accountable and gives others a chance to prove their innocence,” he said.

GA