NSA fraud: Political loyalty shouldn’t shield wrongdoing

Ibrahim Adjei, former Assistant Secretary at the Office of the Former President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has stressed that political affiliation must not be used as a cover to protect individuals accused of wrongdoing, especially in matters involving state resources.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, June 16, he urged Ghanaians to put the national interest above partisan considerations, following revelations by the Attorney General about a GH¢30 million payroll fraud at the National Service Authority (NSA).

“We are working for Ghana, but those who will somehow tarnish our effort shouldn’t be saved because they belong to your political party. Do not defend wrongdoing if it is against the interest of Ghana. Let the law work,” he cautioned.

Mr. Adjei emphasised that defending acts of corruption simply to protect political allies threatens the country’s progress and undermines efforts to build a credible governance system, noting that acts of accountability, no matter how uncomfortable, help set a precedent and send a strong warning to those who view politics as an opportunity for personal gain.

“Governments come and go. Administrations must discipline those who fall foul of the law, regardless of favour. This is how Ghana progresses.

“It sets a benchmark and will deter those who think that getting into politics is a license to make money. Never defend the indefensible; it may make people uneasy, but it is necessary.”

His remarks follow a press conference on Friday, June 13, where Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, revealed that Gifty Oware-Mensah, former Deputy Executive Director of the NSA, orchestrated a scheme to misappropriate public funds through payroll fraud.

According to the Attorney General, Oware-Mensah allegedly manipulated the National Service Personnel (NSP) allowance system to secure a GH¢30,698,218.69 loan from the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), using the allowances as collateral at a 23% interest rate.

The findings are part of ongoing investigations by the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) task force into financial malfeasance at the NSA.

Mr. Adjei concluded by urging the public to support such investigations dispassionately and avoid politicising matters of national accountability.