Who is Gifty Oware-Mensah?
Gifty Oware-Mensah is a prominent figure in Ghana’s public and sports sectors. She previously served as the Deputy Director of the National Service Authority (NSA) and is currently a member of the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA). Her career has been marked by significant contributions to national service and sports development in Ghana.
The NSA Payroll Fraud Scandal: What Happened?
The National Service Authority (NSA) has been embroiled in a payroll fraud scandal involving alleged ghost names on its payroll. This scheme, which reportedly siphoned millions of cedis from public funds, came to light after an investigative exposé by The Fourth Estate. The scandal has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
In his first State of the Nation Address, President John Dramani Mahama directed law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those involved. Reports indicate that some suspects have fled the country, prompting the government to freeze their assets.
Gifty Oware-Mensah’s Arrest and Detention
On Friday, March 7, 2025, Gifty Oware-Mensah was detained by the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) in connection with the NSA payroll fraud case. Despite efforts to secure her bail, including intervention by former NPP General Secretary John Boadu, she remains in custody. Her current location is unknown after being moved from the NIB premises.
Before her arrest, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin confirmed that Oware-Mensah had expressed her willingness to cooperate with the NIB. She had recently returned to Ghana on March 5, 2025, after a vacation abroad following the 2024 elections.
Implications of the Scandal
The NSA payroll fraud case highlights systemic issues within Ghana’s public sector, including weak oversight and accountability mechanisms. The scandal has also raised questions about the integrity of high-ranking officials and the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures.
For more on Ghana’s fight against corruption, visit Transparency International Ghana.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The detention of Gifty Oware-Mensah has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While some applaud the government’s efforts to tackle corruption, others question the transparency of the investigation process.
Conclusion
The NSA payroll fraud scandal is a stark reminder of the need for robust systems to prevent corruption in public institutions. Gifty Oware-Mensah’s detention underscores the seriousness of the case and the government’s commitment to addressing graft. Stay tuned for more updates as the investigation progresses.
For more insights into Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts, check out The Fourth Estate’s investigative reports.