The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has granted bail to former National Service Authority (NSA) Managing Director, Osei Asibey Antwi, on medical grounds.
He is expected to report back to the NIB headquarters on Monday, March 24, 2025, to assist with ongoing investigations into the National Service ‘Ghost Names’ scandal, which is believed to have caused significant financial losses to the state.
Detention and Investigation
Osei Asibey Antwi, a former Kumasi Mayor, was arrested in Accra on Thursday, March 20, 2025, upon the invitation of the state investigative body.
His detention was reportedly linked to the alleged fraudulent scheme involving ghost names in the National Service Scheme (NSS), where millions of cedis were siphoned from government funds through the payment of allowances to non-existent personnel.
Family sources disclosed that the former NSA boss did not want news of his arrest to be publicized. However, concerns arose over his health when he returned home under security escort for a house search.
A family member, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “He didn’t want anyone to hear about his arrest, but when he came home with the security personnel for a house search, we noticed that he was unwell. Even though he told us he was okay, we felt it was necessary to alert the media and his lawyer”.
Following medical concerns, he was released on bail late Saturday night at approximately 10:00 PM, with instructions to return to the NIB headquarters for further questioning on Monday.
Background on the National Service ‘Ghost Names’ Scandal
The National Service Scheme (NSS) has been embroiled in a long-standing issue of fraudulent payments made to non-existent service personnel, commonly referred to as ‘ghost names.’
The scheme, designed to provide mandatory one-year national service for tertiary graduates, has faced several corruption allegations over the years.
This latest scandal, which prompted President John Dramani Mahama to order an extensive probe, allegedly involves high-level officials manipulating the payroll system to include fictitious names, leading to the illegal siphoning of millions of cedis from government coffers.
Past investigations into similar fraudulent activities have led to arrests and prosecutions, with authorities intensifying efforts to sanitize the system. The current probe is expected to uncover the full extent of the financial losses and bring those responsible to justice.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on the NIB and the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability in one of Ghana’s largest public service institutions.
More soon…
Source: www.kumasimail.com
