Former NSS Director Denies Involvement in Ghost Names Scandal

Mustapha Ussif, former NSS director, denies involvement in a GH¢50 million ghost names scandal. He asserts his readiness to cooperate with investigations and emphasizes his transparency. Allegations reveal a widespread fraud scheme that may have diverted substantial funds meant for real personnel. The scandal has reignited calls for reform in Ghana’s public payroll systems.

Mustapha Ussif, former Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS) and current Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubori, has firmly denied accusations tying him to a scandal involving ghost names within the NSS. The controversy, which has drawn significant attention, was brought to light by the Attorney General, who estimated that this fraudulent scheme may have cost the government over GH¢50 million each month.

Ussif, who held the NSS director position from 2017 to 2021, expressed his willingness to fully cooperate with any inquiries, emphasizing that he has nothing to conceal. “I served diligently during my time at the NSS and have nothing to hide,” he stated. The former director has even indicated he is prepared to defend himself in court if needed.

Described by Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine as a “nationwide criminal enterprise,” this scandal reportedly involves 81,885 ghost names on the NSS payroll. Allegations suggest that senior officials, including district directors and payroll officers, fabricated identities to embezzle funds designated for genuine national service personnel.

During a press briefing, Ayine disclosed that the operation was systematic, with fake entries submitted before each service cycle. Funds meant for legitimate service personnel were allegedly redirected into private accounts, with suspicions that some of this money was used to influence a sitting MP ahead of the 2024 elections, allegedly to curtail media coverage of the issue.

Amid these revelations, Ussif has called for calm during the ongoing investigations. His commitment to transparency is evident, as he welcomes scrutiny of his actions while at the NSS. The emergence of this scandal has sparked renewed discussions about the need for comprehensive reforms within Ghana’s public payroll systems to guard against similar occurrences in the future.

In conclusion, Mustapha Ussif stands resolute against the allegations stemming from the NSS ghost names scandal, providing assurances of his accountability. Amid the scandal’s fallout, the Attorney General highlights significant breaches in public trust and governance. The call for reform in Ghana’s public payroll systems grows louder as the investigation unfolds, aiming to safeguard public funds from future misappropriation.

Original Source: www.newsghana.com.gh