Former National Service Scheme (NSS) Deputy Executive Director, Gifty Oware-Mensah, is set to return to Ghana on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Reports indicate that National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) officers will arrest her at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) upon arrival. The arrest is linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged payroll fraud within the NSS.
Authorities suspect that during her tenure, ghost names were added to the NSS payroll, causing GH₵50 million in monthly financial losses. The investigation aims to uncover those responsible for the mismanagement of public funds.
The NIB has already arrested Kwaku Ohene Djan, another former Deputy Executive Director of the NSS, in connection with the scandal. His detention is part of broader efforts to track down all individuals involved in the fraudulent scheme.
Reports initially claimed that Oware-Mensah had fled the country to avoid arrest. However, her legal team has denied this, stating that she was never officially invited for questioning. They insist she is willing to cooperate with the authorities upon her return.
Supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), under whose government she served, are reportedly organizing to escort her from the airport to the NIB offices. Party insiders are said to be concerned about the political fallout of her arrest and are considering legal steps to ensure she receives fair treatment.
The NSS payroll fraud scandal has sparked public outrage, with many calling for tighter financial controls in government institutions. The government has assured the public that thorough investigations will be conducted and strict measures will be implemented to prevent similar corruption in the future.
The return of Oware-Mensah and the legal actions that follow will be closely monitored. The outcome of the case is expected to impact ongoing anti-corruption efforts and the overall credibility of Ghana’s public service sector.
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