Gifty Oware-Mensah, the former Deputy Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS) and a prominent figure in Ghanaian football as a member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council and CEO of Berry Ladies, was detained by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
This detention is part of an ongoing investigation into a payroll fraud scandal involving ghost names on the NSS payroll, reportedly costing Ghana GH₵50 million monthly.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the event, including background, details of the fraud, related arrests, and legal implications, based on recent reports and statements.
Background and Context Gifty Oware-Mensah’s Detention
Gifty Oware-Mensah’s detention marks a significant development in the NSS payroll fraud scandal, which has drawn national attention due to its financial implications.
The NSS, responsible for deploying tertiary graduates for national service, has been under scrutiny following the discovery of fictitious names on its payroll.
Oware-Mensah, who returned to Ghana on March 5, 2025, after spending time abroad, was taken into custody two days later, despite her lawyer, Nana Agyei-Baffour, stating to Joy News that she had not received any prior invitation from the NIB.
This suggests she was not formally summoned before her arrest, adding to the controversy surrounding her detention.
Oware-Mensah’s dual roles in the NSS and GFA highlight her prominence in both public service and sports administration. Her involvement in women’s football, particularly as CEO of Berry Ladies, adds an unexpected layer to the story, potentially impacting perceptions in the sports community. The detention follows reports of her evading authorities, with some sources indicating she was on the run before returning voluntarily, which may influence public and legal opinions on her cooperation
Details of the Payroll Fraud Leading to Gifty Oware-Mensah’s Detention
The alleged fraud involves the insertion of 80,000 ghost names into the NSS payroll, costing Ghana GH₵50 million monthly, as per the user’s provided information. However, research suggests a broader scope, with a headcount revealing 81,885 ghost names, costing an estimated GH₵704.25 million annually, or approximately GH₵58.68 million monthly.
This discrepancy may reflect different estimates or stages of the investigation, but the user’s figure of GH₵50 million monthly is used as the primary reference here.
The fraud reportedly involved bypassing validation processes, allowing fictitious names, including some over 90 years old, to be added to the payroll, siphoning funds meant for genuine service personnel (The Fourth Estate). President John Dramani Mahama ordered the NIB to investigate following these findings, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing corruption. The scandal spans the tenure of the previous government, with losses estimated at 2.2 billion cedis over eight years, highlighting systemic issues in payroll management.
Related Arrests and Investigations of Gifty Oware-Mensah
Kwaku Ohene Gyan, another former NSS official and Deputy Director of Operations, was arrested earlier in the same case but has since been released, remaining a person of interest. His arrest, described as “Rambo-style” by some, involved a high-profile operation on February 22, 2025, and was part of the broader NIB probe ordered by President Mahama. The investigation continues, with other officials, such as accountant Yaw Danso, also questioned, indicating a wide-reaching effort to uncover the full extent of the fraud.
The ongoing nature of the investigation suggests further arrests or developments may occur, with authorities actively pursuing other implicated individuals. This context provides an unexpected detail: the scale of the investigation, involving multiple high-ranking officials, could have broader implications for public trust in government institutions and the NSS’s operations.
Legal Experts Implications and Statements
Martin Kpebu, a renowned Ghanaian lawyer and human rights advocate, has stated his readiness to represent Gifty Oware-Mensah if her rights are violated during detention, particularly if she is held beyond the 48-hour constitutional limit without arraignment.
Kpebu emphasized the importance of due process, noting, “If the NIB breaches the 48-hour rule, Gifty Oware can sue you and I will be happy to represent Gifty Oware,” highlighting potential legal challenges to her detention.
This stance adds a legal dimension, potentially influencing how the case proceeds and public perception of the NIB’s actions.
