Attorney General Targets 12 in Massive NSS Fraud Case
Ghana lost over GH¢548 million to ghost names on the National Service Scheme (NSS) payroll over six years, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine revealed on June 13, 2025. The fraud, uncovered by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), involved fake names used to steal funds meant for national service workers.
The worst loss was in 2022/2023, with GH¢350.9 million paid to ghost names. The 2023/2024 year saw a drop to GH¢32.8 million, showing some improved checks, but the problem persists. Ayine named former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif and 11 others, including Gifty Oware-Mensah, who allegedly used 9,934 fake identities to divert funds.
Oware-Mensah is accused of securing a GH¢30 million loan with NSS data for a private company she co-owned. The NIB’s probe, which started after a headcount found 81,885 ghost names, led to the arrests of two officials in February 2025. Some suspects have fled, prompting asset freezes and wanted notices.
Ayine plans to charge the 12 suspects with fraud and related crimes, aiming to recover the stolen money. The case has raised alarm, as the funds could have supported young graduates. There are also claims that an MP was paid to hide the scandal, though their name remains undisclosed.
The government is pushing to clean up the NSS and restore trust. With legal action looming, Ghanaians await justice for the massive theft that drained resources meant for national development.