By Issah Olegor
Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, former Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) and a leading figure within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢500,000 following days of detention and investigations by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), in a case that has triggered intense political controversy and renewed questions about the role of the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, in the unfolding saga.
Nkansah’s legal team and multiple media outlets, including Citi FM, confirmed that he was released from NIB custody on February 11, 2026, after being formally charged with publishing false information.
His scheduled court appearance, which was expected to take place on February 12, 2026, was subsequently cancelled following the granting of bail.
Background
The controversy dates back to comments made by Nkansah during a radio discussion on Sompa Radio 106.5 FM, where he alleged that some individuals had paid large sums of money—reportedly up to GH¢100,000—to secure government-funded overseas scholarships.
He further suggested that some beneficiaries of the alleged scheme were politically connected, including individuals linked to the ruling political establishment.
Following these remarks, on February 3, 2026, the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, issued an official communiqué to the Director-General of the NIB, directing the Bureau to investigate the allegations and submit its findings to the Presidency.
This directive formally triggered the security investigation that would later place Nkansah at the centre of a national political storm.
Voluntary invitation and cooperation
In response to the directive, Nkansah was invited by the NIB on February 5, 2026, to assist with investigations.
He voluntarily presented himself at the NIB offices in Accra, accompanied by his legal counsel, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South.
After cooperating with investigators, he was allowed to return home without charge, reinforcing the initial perception that he was assisting an investigation rather than being treated as a criminal suspect.
Escalation and family circumstances
The situation escalated days later when Nkansah travelled to Kumasi to attend to his ailing father.
While there, the NIB reportedly issued another summons, demanding that he report immediately to their office. His lawyers indicated that he explained his family situation and requested to report at a later date, but the NIB insisted on his immediate appearance.
When he eventually reported, heavily armed NIB operatives escorted him to his residence, where a search was conducted, before taking him back into NIB custody at their Nima office in Accra.
During this period, his condition reportedly deteriorated, and he was rushed to the hospital while still under NIB custody, further intensifying public concern about his treatment and welfare.
Charges, Bail And Release
Nkansah was subsequently formally charged with publishing false information, a charge linked directly to his radio comments on the alleged scholarship sales.
He was scheduled to appear in court on February 12, 2026, but developments took a dramatic turn on February 11, when he was granted bail in the sum of GH¢500,000. His release was confirmed by his lawyers and multiple media organisations, and his court appearance was cancelled as a result of the bail decision.
Political Backlash And National Reaction
The developments triggered fierce political reactions. The NPP, through its National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha, condemned the arrest and detention, describing it as harassment, intimidation, and an abuse of state power. Party supporters mounted intense campaigns on social media and threatened mass protests, including plans to storm the NIB headquarters if Nkansah was not released.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament also issued a strongly worded statement accusing the NIB of abuse of power, politically targeted investigations, and violations of Mr. Nkansah’s rights. Signed by the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the statement described the actions of the NIB as excessive, unconstitutional, and dangerous to democracy.
The Minority demanded his immediate release and warned that such conduct by security agencies undermines the rule of law and due process.
Questions over “orders from above”
Fueling the controversy further, Nkansah’s lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, revealed in a radio interview on Asempa FM that even NIB officers appeared disturbed by the situation, repeatedly stating that their actions were based on “orders from above.”
The public mention of the name Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President who issued the original investigation directive, intensified speculation about political influence in the case and linked his office directly to the chain of events that led to Nkansah’s arrest and detention.
