NSS brouhala
The recent revelation of ghost names on the payroll of the National Service Scheme (NSS) has stirred significant controversy in Ghana. Two prominent figures, Gifty Oware-Mensah and Mustapha Ussif, have found themselves at the center of this scandal. Initial reactions from the public focused heavily on the current Director-General, Osei Assibey Antwi, and his deputy, Oware-Mensah, as many believed the issues began during their tenure.
However, investigations reveal that the scandal’s roots extend back to 2017, when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) first came to power. During this period, Mustapha Ussif served as the Director-General of the NSS. Sulemana Braimah, the Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, highlighted this in a presentation on TV3, indicating that the alleged manipulation of the payroll began under Ussif’s administration.
While the first year of Ussif’s leadership did not show dramatic increases in the number of enrolled participants, subsequent years saw a significant rise. This spike raised eyebrows and led to further scrutiny of how the NSS operated during his tenure.
Ussif is not just known for his role in the NSS; he also served as the Minister of Youth and Sports for the last four years of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration. Under his leadership, Ghana hosted the African Games and achieved a remarkable 69 medals. However, his time as sports minister was not without its challenges, as the Black Stars faced disappointing exits from both the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the qualifying rounds for the 2025 AFCON.
Gifty Oware-Mensah, the other key figure in this scandal, is a well-known name in Ghanaian sports. She holds significant positions, including being a member of the Ghana Football Association’s Executive Council, co-owner of Berry Ladies Football Club, and Vice President of Berekum Chelsea. Additionally, she serves on the management committee for the Black Maidens, showcasing her deep involvement in the development of women’s football in Ghana.
As the NSS payroll scandal unfolds, the involvement of these two sports personalities raises critical questions about accountability and transparency in public service. The public is keen to understand how these issues emerged and what measures will be taken to address them.
