Gifty Oware-Mensah, the former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), has been released after being detained and questioned by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) as part of an ongoing probe into financial irregularities within the Scheme. Her detention, which took place on Friday, March 7, was reportedly linked to an investigation into payroll fraud involving the alleged existence of ghost names on the NSS payroll.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the probe aims to uncover how thousands of ghost names were allegedly added to the NSS payroll, resulting in unauthorized payments that may have caused significant financial losses to the state. Oware-Mensah, who served as a key administrator overseeing financial matters within the Scheme, was invited for questioning to assist authorities in establishing whether any top officials had knowledge of or were involved in the fraudulent scheme.
Her detention lasted overnight, but she was released on Saturday, March 8, after cooperating with investigators. However, sources indicate that the NIB has not ruled out the possibility of recalling her for further questioning as new details emerge in the ongoing investigations.
Following her release, Oware-Mensah has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter, and her silence has fueled public speculation. Many are eager to understand her level of involvement, if any, in the alleged payroll fraud. While some have defended her as a dedicated public servant, others insist that thorough investigations must be conducted to ensure accountability.
The National Service Scheme, which assigns fresh graduates to various institutions for a one-year mandatory service, has come under scrutiny due to persistent reports of financial mismanagement. Investigations suggest that ghost names—either completely fictitious or belonging to individuals who never actually reported for duty—were fraudulently added to the NSS payroll, leading to substantial financial leakages.
Authorities are particularly interested in uncovering how these names were inserted, who approved the payments, and whether any top officials facilitated or ignored the fraudulent activities. Given the structured nature of government payroll systems, such a large-scale discrepancy raises serious concerns about internal oversight, security measures, and financial accountability.
The arrest and subsequent release of Oware-Mensah have sparked nationwide discussions on corruption in Ghana’s public institutions. Analysts argue that the case highlights the need for enhanced scrutiny of government payrolls, improved auditing systems, and stricter enforcement of anti-corruption laws. Many believe that this scandal is indicative of a broader issue within public sector administration, where fraudulent practices continue to undermine national development.
Governance and anti-corruption advocates have weighed in on the matter, calling for urgent reforms to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Some have suggested the complete digitization of payroll systems to minimize human interference and reduce the likelihood of fraudulent activities. Others have urged the government to conduct independent financial audits across all public institutions to detect and eliminate irregularities before they escalate.
Meanwhile, sources close to the investigation suggest that Oware-Mensah is not the only high-ranking official under scrutiny. Several other individuals who held key administrative and financial positions during her tenure are expected to be invited for questioning. While the NIB has not officially disclosed any names, it is widely believed that multiple officials may have played a role in the alleged payroll fraud.
The government has assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway and that anyone found culpable will be held accountable. This commitment to transparency and accountability has been welcomed by civil society organizations, who argue that holding individuals accountable is a critical step in tackling financial malpractices within state institutions.
The NSS payroll fraud scandal has also reignited concerns over the broader issue of ghost names in Ghana’s public service. Over the years, similar cases have been uncovered in other government institutions, including the Ghana Education Service and the health sector. Experts argue that these recurring scandals demonstrate systemic weaknesses that must be urgently addressed.
In response to the ongoing investigation, the NSS leadership has reiterated its commitment to supporting the probe and ensuring that anyone involved in fraudulent activities is brought to justice. They have also pledged to implement stronger internal controls to prevent future financial losses.
Public reaction to Oware-Mensah’s arrest and release has been mixed. While some believe she should be presumed innocent until proven guilty, others insist that her role as a senior official means she must take responsibility for any lapses that occurred under her watch. The debate reflects broader frustrations with corruption in the public sector and the demand for greater accountability among government officials.
With the investigation still ongoing, many are closely watching to see whether Oware-Mensah will make a public statement clarifying her position. Additionally, questions remain about whether formal charges will be filed against her or any other individuals implicated in the scandal. The coming weeks are expected to be crucial in determining the full extent of the fraud and the potential legal ramifications for those found guilty.
The scandal has also placed renewed pressure on government agencies to strengthen oversight mechanisms and introduce real-time monitoring of payroll systems. Experts believe that without these reforms, similar cases of financial mismanagement will continue to surface, further draining public resources and eroding trust in government institutions.
As the investigation unfolds, the public remains eager for transparency and swift action to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. While Oware-Mensah has been released, the case remains open, and she, along with others linked to the NSS payroll system during the affected period, may still be called upon to answer further questions.
For now, the NSS payroll fraud investigation serves as a reminder of the urgent need for financial discipline and strict enforcement of anti-corruption measures in Ghana’s public sector. The outcome of this case will likely influence future policies on payroll management and government accountability.
