More Akufo-Addo Appointees Questioned in Ongoing Corruption Investigations

In a continuing crackdown on alleged corruption and mismanagement, more high-profile appointees from the Akufo-Addo administration have been called in for questioning by state security.

This follows an ongoing investigation into various scandals, including the notorious National Service Scheme (NSS) ghost names scandal.

Among those questioned was Osei Assibey Antwi, the former Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSS).

He appeared before the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) on March 20, accompanied by his lawyer, to answer for his involvement in the fraudulent enlistment of non-existent personnel on the NSS payroll.

The ghost names scandal, which has cost the country millions in taxpayer funds, has been under intense scrutiny, especially after a headcount revealed 81,885 ghost names, amounting to GH¢704.25 million annually.

Meanwhile, Kwabena Adu Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau, was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on March 21.

Boahene was returning from the UK when he was detained by officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Attorney-General’s Department.

The operation, which was led by EOCO Deputy Director Raymond Archer, followed reports of financial misconduct and mismanagement during his tenure.

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, confirmed Boahene’s arrest and criticized the methods used by authorities, claiming it represented a violation of human rights.

He further described the operation as a continuation of the Mahama administration’s alleged abuse of political opponents’ rights.

The NSS ghost names scandal, which first gained national attention through a Fourth Estate investigation, has been a significant focus of recent inquiries.

The investigation uncovered thousands of fictitious names linked to fake student index numbers, supposedly tied to public universities and colleges.

Gifty Oware-Mensah, a former deputy director at NSS, and Kwaku Ohene Djan, another former deputy executive director, are also under investigation for their roles in the scandal.

The ongoing probes have also extended to other former Akufo-Addo appointees, such as Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi, the former Chairman of the Public Procurement Authority Board.

Akumfi has been detained over financial dealings during his time as the Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).

Additionally, former Minister for Railway Development Joe Ghartey has been invited for questioning regarding the failed Ghana Sky Train project, which was signed off under his leadership.

Despite a $3 billion concession agreement with the Africa Investment Sky Train Consortium in 2019, the project never materialized.

As investigations continue, the spotlight remains on several key figures from the Akufo-Addo administration, with questions surrounding financial mismanagement and corruption continuing to grow.