Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has denied any wrongdoing during his time as Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), asserting his readiness to defend his record before a competent court.
Currently serving as the Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubori, Ussif was identified by Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine as one of twelve individuals allegedly involved in a major scandal at the NSS.
His response follows an announcement by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice that charges will be filed against twelve suspects implicated in the NSS case by the first week of July.
At a press conference in Accra, Dr. Ayine confirmed the conclusion of investigations into the matter.
He outlined a range of charges, including stealing, conspiracy to steal, willfully causing financial loss to the state, abuse of public office for personal gain, obtaining public property unlawfully, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. The total financial loss to the state, he revealed, stood at GHC548 million.
Among those listed for prosecution are Osei Assibey Antwi, former deputy Executive Director of the NSS; Gifty Oware-Mensah, former deputy Executive Director; Kweku Ohene Gyan, former Executive Director in charge of operations; Abraham Bismark Gaise, Head of Deployment; and Eric Nyarko, former Head of Accounts.
Additional names include Albert Oteng Owusu, former Internal Auditor; Kweku Dekyi-Adjei, Accounts Officer; Stephen Kwabena Gyamfi, Koforidua Municipal Director; Prince Agbofa Awuku, a District Director; and Jacob Yawson, MIS Administrator for the Northern Region.
Dr. Ayine also noted that charges would extend to vendors on the NSS Central Management System marketplace across the Eastern, Greater Accra, and Ashanti Regions.
These vendors include Peter Mensah, a legal practitioner and husband of Gifty Oware-Mensah; Sylvia Ntriwa Opare, owner of Sylosona Ventures; Haruna Mawulaya, owner of Alfayda Enterprise; Solomon Dwamena, owner of Alfarita Ventures; and Kweku Opare Agbofa, owner of Franlisa Ventures.
Other individuals set to face charges are Rose Hamilton, owner of Marine Ventures; Philomina Arthur, owner of Brainwave Ventures; Charles Ohemeng, owner of CHOCHEC Ventures; and Isaac Osae Asamani, owner of Stalwart/Options Buy Ventures.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 13, 2025, Ussif proclaimed his innocence and expressed his readiness to clear his name.
“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 reiterated his commitment to transparency and accountability 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.”
Ussif emphasised his openness to legal scrutiny and his willingness to participate fully in the judicial process.
“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.”
He also called on the public and members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to remain composed and confident in his public service record.
“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.”
The NSS scandal has generated considerable public interest, with observers closely watching as the State prepares to initiate what could be high-profile prosecutions in the weeks ahead.