Mustapha Ussif, the former Youth and Sports Minister, has denied any misconduct while serving as the Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS) and stated that he is prepared to defend his record in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine named Ussif as one of twelve people reportedly implicated in a significant scandal at the NSS. Ussif is currently the Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubori.
His reply comes after the Attorney General and Justice Minister declared that during the first week of July, charges would be brought against twelve suspects connected to the NSS case.
Dr. Ayine confirmed the findings of the inquiry during a press briefing in Accra.
Among the allegations he listed were theft, conspiracy to steal, knowingly causing the state to suffer financial loss, abusing public office for private benefit, illegally obtaining public property, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. He disclosed that the state has suffered a total financial loss of GHC548 million.
Former NSS deputy executive director Osei Assibey Antwi, former deputy executive director Gifty Oware-Mensah, former executive director in charge of operations Kweku Ohene Gyan, former head of deployment Abraham Bismark Gaise, and former head of accounts Eric Nyarko are among those named for prosecution.
Other names include former Internal Auditor Albert Oteng Owusu, Accounts Officer Kweku Dekyi-Adjei, Koforidua Municipal Director Stephen Kwabena Gyamfi, District Director Prince Agbofa Awuku, and Northern Region MIS Administrator Jacob Yawson.
Additionally, Dr. Ayine mentioned that traders in the Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Eastern Regions would be subject to fees on the NSS Central Management System marketplace.
These vendors include Solomon Dwamena, who owns Alfarita Ventures; Haruna Mawulaya, who owns Alfayda Enterprise; Kweku Opare Agbofa, who owns Franlisa Ventures; Peter Mensah, who practices law and is Gifty Oware-Mensah’s spouse; and Sylvia Ntriwa Opare, who owns Sylosona Ventures.
Charles Ohemeng, the owner of CHOCHEC Ventures; Philomina Arthur, the owner of Brainwave Ventures; Rose Hamilton, the owner of Marine Ventures; and Isaac Osae Asamani, the owner of Stalwart/Options Buy Ventures, are also expected to be charged.
Friday, June 13, 2025: Ussif declared his innocence and his willingness to clear his name in a statement.
“The press conference of the Attorney General held on 13th June 2025 has come to my attention, and I wish to categorically deny any alleged wrongdoing,” he stated.
He reaffirmed his dedication to accountability and openness in public service.
“It is my fervent belief that once you hold public office, you should at all material times, and at whatever cost, be ready, willing, and able to account for your stewardship.”
“I wish to state that I am ready, willing, and able to account for my stewardship at the National Service Scheme (NSS) from February 2017 to January 6, 2021.”
“Consequently, I welcome any opportunity to do so, including but not limited to having my day in a court of competent jurisdiction.”
Ussif emphasized his readiness to fully engage in the legal process and his openness to criticism.
Additionally, he urged the public and New Patriotic Party (NPP) members to maintain their composure and faith in his record of public service.
“I therefore urge all well-wishers, friends, family, constituents, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the general public to be calm, knowing very well that I have, throughout my public life, served with diligence and honesty.”
As the State is ready to launch what may be high-profile prosecutions in the coming weeks, the NSS controversy has attracted a lot of public attention.
Source: newsthemegh.com