By Daniel Bampoe
Mustapha Ussif, Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubori and former Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), has broken his silence following allegations linking him to a GH₵548 million embezzlement during his tenure at the NSS.
In a statement issued on June 13, 2025, Ussif declared his readiness to cooperate with investigative authorities and defend his integrity in court.
“I categorically deny any wrongdoing,” Ussif stated, referencing the claims outlined by Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, during a press briefing earlier that day.
“However, I believe that anyone who has held public office must at all times be prepared to account for their stewardship.”
His comments come amid intensifying scrutiny as part of the Mahama administration’s anti-corruption campaign, dubbed Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL).
Launched in early 2025, the initiative seeks to identify, recover, and prosecute funds lost through corruption in public institutions.
The Scandal Unfolds
At the heart of the controversy is a sprawling ghost-name payroll scheme uncovered through whistleblower reports and an internal audit in 2024.
The scheme allegedly enabled top officials within the NSS to divert funds meant for legitimate national service personnel by inserting thousands of fake names into payroll systems across regional and district offices.
Twelve individuals have been implicated so far, including former NSS executives, finance officers, and IT administrators.
Leading the charge sheet is Gifty Oware-Mensah, former Deputy Executive Director of the NSS, who is believed to have coordinated the fraudulent network.
Also named in the scandal are:
Osei Assibey Antwi, former Director-General of the NSA
Kwaku Ohene Gyan, former Deputy Executive Director of Operations
Abraham Bismarck Gaise, former Internal Auditor
Kwaku Adjei, Accounts Officer
Iddrisu Abubakar, former Head of Accounts
Stephen Kwabena Gyamfi, former Koforidua Regional Director
Prince Awuku, District Director
Jacob Yawson, Northern Region MIS Administrator
Mustapha Ussif, former NSS Executive Director
Two additional suspects are yet to be formally charged
The Attorney General described the operation as “a calculated and systemic breach of public trust” and promised full prosecution under existing anti-corruption laws.
Charges being prepared include conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
Political Fallout
The scandal has caused political ripples, particularly within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to which many of the accused, including Ussif and Oware-Mensah, belong.
Civil society groups and opposition voices are calling for thorough reforms in the public payroll system and demanding the strengthening of internal controls within state agencies.
Ussif, who also served as former Minister for Youth and Sports under the previous administration, has urged his supporters, party faithful, and constituents to remain calm.
“I have, throughout my public life, served with diligence and honesty,” he said, asserting confidence that the judicial process will clear his name.
