The National Investigations Bureau (NIB) has intensified its probe into the National Service Authority (NSA) ghost names scandal with the interrogation of former Executive Director Osei Assibey Antwi. This development marks a significant escalation in the investigation that has uncovered alleged systemic fraud within one of Ghana’s crucial youth employment institutions.
Former NSA Boss Faces Investigators
According to reliable sources, Mr. Osei Assibey Antwi appeared before NIB investigators on Thursday, March 20, 2025, responding to an official summons. The former NSA chief was reportedly accompanied by his legal representative during what sources describe as several hours of rigorous questioning.
The interrogation centered on the alleged fraudulent enlistment of non-existent personnel onto the NSA payroll—a scheme that potentially diverted millions of cedis from legitimate service personnel and government coffers. As of press time, it remains unclear whether Mr. Antwi was released following the interrogation or remains in custody.
Widening Investigation Net
The questioning of the former Executive Director follows earlier interrogations of two former Deputy Directors of the NSA—Gifty Oware Mensah and Kwaku Ohene Djan—who were similarly summoned to provide information about their potential involvement in or knowledge of the alleged payroll fraud.
This systematic approach by investigators suggests the NIB is methodically working its way through the NSA’s former leadership structure to establish responsibility for the scandal that has shocked many Ghanaians.
The Fourth Estate Exposé
The NIB’s investigation gained momentum following groundbreaking investigative journalism by The Fourth Estate, whose detailed exposé uncovered widespread irregularities within the scheme. The report meticulously documented how ghost names were allegedly added to the NSA payroll, resulting in significant financial losses to the state.
This investigative piece joins other notable works by The Fourth Estate, which has established itself as a leading force in Ghana’s investigative journalism landscape, previously uncovering corruption in various public institutions.
Understanding the Ghost Names Phenomenon
Ghost names on government payrolls represent a persistent challenge in Ghana’s public sector. According to data from the Controller and Accountant General’s Department, payroll fraud costs the government millions of cedis annually across various institutions.
The Impact on National Service
The National Service Scheme, established to provide college graduates with practical work experience while serving the nation, has faced numerous challenges in recent years. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, approximately 90,000 graduates are posted annually to various institutions, making the scheme a significant component of Ghana’s youth employment strategy.
The alleged fraud potentially undermines the scheme’s ability to:
- Adequately compensate legitimate service personnel
- Deploy resources efficiently to priority sectors
- Maintain public trust in government youth employment initiatives
- Account properly for taxpayer funds allocated to the scheme
Public Accountability Demands
The scandal has triggered calls for greater accountability from civil society organizations, including the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition and Imani Africa, which have urged authorities to:
- Conduct thorough investigations without political interference
- Prosecute all individuals found culpable regardless of political affiliation
- Implement stronger payroll verification systems
- Institute regular independent audits of the NSA and similar institutions
Potential Reforms and Solutions
Experts from the Institute for Fiscal Studies have suggested several reforms to prevent future occurrences:
- Implementation of biometric verification for all service personnel
- Regular unannounced field verification exercises
- Strengthening whistleblower protections for those who report irregularities
- Establishing an independent oversight committee for the NSA
The Centre for Democratic Development has advocated for structural reforms within the NSA to ensure it operates with greater transparency and accountability to both service personnel and the general public.
Conclusion
As the NIB continues its investigation, many Ghanaians eagerly await the findings and potential prosecutions that may follow. The ghost names scandal represents not just financial malfeasance but also a betrayal of trust in a system designed to serve young graduates entering the workforce.
The outcome of this investigation may set important precedents for addressing similar issues across other public institutions in Ghana, potentially leading to broader public sector reforms in payroll management and financial accountability.
Take Action
For current and former National Service personnel who may have information about irregularities within the scheme, you can report confidentially to the NIB through their official reporting channels. Additionally, organizations like Transparency International Ghana provide platforms for whistleblowers to share information about public sector corruption.