Former NSS Director Denies Involvement in Ghost Names Scandal

Mustapha Ussif, former NSS Director and MP, denies involvement in GH¢50 million ghost names scandal. He expresses readiness to cooperate with investigations and insists on his transparency. The scheme, described as a ‘criminal enterprise’ by the Attorney General, involved fraudulent identities siphoning public funds, potentially leading to systemic reforms.

Mustapha Ussif, the Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubori and the former Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), is hitting back at allegations that link him to a scandal involving GH¢50 million in ghost names. This issue was recently spotlighted by the Attorney General, stirring significant controversy.

Ussif, who led the NSS from 2017 to 2021, expressed his determination to clear his name. He’s open to being scrutinized and is even prepared to defend himself in court if need be. “I served diligently during my time at the NSS and have nothing to hide,” he insisted. “I welcome any scrutiny of my work and am prepared to cooperate fully with investigations.”

The controversy centers around what Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine labeled a “nationwide criminal enterprise.” It concerns a shocking total of 81,885 ghost names that somehow made it onto the NSS payroll. Allegations indicate that high-ranking officials, including district directors and payroll officers, are implicated in creating fictional identities to pilfer funds intended for national service personnel.

Ayine informed the public that this operation could have drained the state’s resources by over GH¢50 million every month. He detailed how fraudulent submissions were made regularly, prior to each service year. This money was allegedly funneled into private accounts, with disturbing claims suggesting some of it was intended for a bribe directed at a current MP in 2024 to stifle media reporting on the issue.

In light of this scandal, Ussif has called for calm as investigations proceed. He underlined his commitment to transparency. The entire incident has reignited discussions about the necessity for extensive reforms in the public payroll systems of Ghana, aiming to block such fraudulent activities in the future.

The eyes of the nation remain on the unfolding investigation, and whether it will indeed pave the way for much-needed changes in public governance practices.

In summary, Mustapha Ussif has firmly denied links to the ghost names scandal that has the Attorney General’s attention. He’s committed to transparency and willing to face scrutiny and legal action if needed. The case, involving a staggering amount of public funds, has led to calls for reform in Ghana’s public payroll systems. As the investigation unfolds, it could have significant implications on how such systems are managed going forward.

Original Source: www.newsghana.com.gh