In 2014, Alhaji Alhassan Imoro, then Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), and 36 others were charged with stealing GH₵86.9 million through fraudulent payments to ghost service personnel. The case led to widespread scrutiny of the NSS’s financial management practices.
According to reports, the investigation revealed that the accused individuals had allegedly created ghost names and used them to claim payments from the NSS. The case was investigated by the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and later prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office.
In 2015, the BNI retrieved GH₵30 million from some of the accused individuals, which was part of the stolen funds. The retrieval of the funds was seen as a significant step in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
Case Outcome
The outcome of the case is not readily available. However, the scandal led to significant reforms within the NSS, including improved financial management practices and enhanced oversight mechanisms.
Current Scandal
A new NSS scandal has emerged, with allegations of GH₵548 million being siphoned from public funds through ghost worker schemes. Twelve NSS officials and eight vendors have been implicated, and the Attorney General has emphasized the need for swift action to recover stolen funds and hold perpetrators accountable.
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
The government has launched an investigation into the scandal, with the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) leading the probe. Properties and details of those involved are being scrutinized. The Attorney General has emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
Conclusion
The NSS scandal highlights critical gaps in Ghana’s financial oversight systems. The government must take decisive action to prevent such scandals in the future and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. As the case unfolds, Ghanaians demand transparency and reform within the NSS to prevent such massive fraud schemes from recurring.