Former NSS Director Denies Involvement in Ghost Names Scandal

Former NSS Director Mustapha Ussif rejects accusations linked to a GH¢50m ghost names scandal. He is prepared to defend his actions and cooperate with investigations, emphasizing transparency. The Attorney General describes the scheme as a nationwide crime involving fake identities, costing the state over GH¢50 million monthly. Calls for public payroll reforms are increasing in response to the findings.

Mustapha Ussif, the former Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS) and current Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubori, firmly denies his involvement in the recently uncovered GH¢50 million ghost names scandal. This scandal, highlighted by the Attorney General, has raised serious concerns about fraudulent activities within the NSS payroll system, including the existence of alleged fake identities.

Ussif, who held the NSS leadership role from 2017 to 2021, expressed his willingness to defend his record. “I served diligently during my time at the NSS and have nothing to hide,” he stated. He further added that he is ready to cooperate fully with investigations, even if it means appearing in court.

The Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has characterized the allegations as a “nationwide criminal enterprise.” The investigation revealed that around 81,885 ghost names were reportedly listed on the NSS payroll. Senior officials, including district directors and payroll officers, are said to have orchestrated this scheme to misappropriate public funds designated for national service personnel.

Dr. Ayine also noted that the fraudulent activities were allegedly institutionalized, with invented names being submitted ahead of service years. The financial drain on the state could exceed GH¢50 million each month. Some funds were reportedly funneled into private bank accounts, with allegations that some may have been used to bribe a sitting MP in 2024 to keep this scandal away from the media spotlight.

In light of these developments, Ussif has called for calm while the investigation unfolds, reiterating his dedication to transparency. He believes that this incident underscores the urgent need for reforms in Ghana’s public payroll systems to guard against similar fraudulent activities in the future.

As the investigation progresses, public scrutiny is likely to intensify, and Ussif’s declaration for accountability alongside demands for broader systemic reforms has raised important discussions about financial integrity in government operations.

In summary, Mustapha Ussif categorically denies any involvement in the ghost names scandal that has drawn significant attention from authorities and the public alike. His readiness to cooperate with the investigation contrasts sharply with the alarming revelations of institutionalized fraud within the NSS, prompting calls for urgent reform of the country’s public payroll systems to safeguard taxpayers’ money.

Original Source: www.newsghana.com.gh