NSS scandal: I have directed that the culprits be declared wanted, their assets frozen - Mahama
This, he said, forms part of holding the officials accountable for their stewardship.
Delivering his State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday, February 27, he said“as part of our Operation Recover All Loot programme, I have already tasked our investigative bodies to bring the culprits of the National service Ghost names scandal to justice.”
“Such brazen theft of public funds must not go unpunished,” he announced.
“Unfortunately, some of these culprits are believed to have absconded from this country already. I have directed that they be declared wanted and their assets traced and frozen until investigations are completed,” John Mahama noted.
Over the weekend, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) detained Yaw Danso, an Accountant at the National Service Authority (NSA), in connection with the ghost names payroll scandal that has rocked the institution.
His arrest follows that of Kwaku Ohene Gyan, the former Deputy Director of Operations at NSA, who was taken into custody on February 22, 2025. Gifty Oware-Mensah, the former Deputy Executive Director of NSA, also remains on the run as authorities intensify their search for suspects linked to the fraudulent payroll scheme.
According to sources, the ghost names scandal has resulted in significant financial losses for the state, with several high-ranking officials now under investigation.
President Mahama stressed that his government would leave no stone unturned in tackling corruption within public institutions, adding that the administration of scholarships has also been plagued with irregularities.
“Administration of scholarships has been fraught with challenges,” he admitted, suggesting that reforms may be necessary to ensure transparency and efficiency in state-funded programs.
In addition to the NSS investigations, Mahama announced a new policy aimed at instilling discipline among National Service personnel.
“We will introduce short military training as part of National Service. This will help improve discipline,” he disclosed.
The proposed military training is expected to equip young graduates with essential leadership skills, teamwork, and national consciousness, strengthening their readiness for both civic duties and future careers.
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