Vitus Azeem Cautions President Mahama Against Interference in GH¢548m NSA Payroll Scandal Probe
Accra, June 14, 2025 — Renowned anti-corruption advocate Vitus Azeem has urged President John Dramani Mahama to refrain from any interference in the investigations and prosecutions related to the massive payroll fraud uncovered at the National Service Authority (NSA).
Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Friday, June 13, Azeem acknowledged the government’s efforts in tackling corruption but warned that any perceived political meddling from the presidency could compromise the integrity of the process.
“I think that there is a sign that he [President Mahama] is determined, and he has got an Attorney General who is also able to pursue these things,” Azeem said. “What I have to say is that President Mahama should not get involved and should not try to influence whatever direction the issue goes. He should leave it to the appropriate institutions to investigate and prosecute when the need arises.”
Azeem’s remarks follow an announcement by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, revealing that 12 former officials of the NSA are set to be prosecuted for their alleged roles in a payroll fraud scheme that cost the state over GH¢548 million.
According to Dr. Ayine, investigations have been completed, and those charged are suspected of creating and profiting from thousands of ghost names added to the NSA payroll during the 2022–2024 service years.
The individuals named include:
- Mustapha Ussif – Former Executive Director
- Osei Assibey Antwi – Former Director General
- Gifty Oware-Mensah – Former Deputy Executive Director
- Kweku Ohene Gyan – Former Deputy Executive Director for Operations
- Abraham Bismark Gaisie – Former Head of Deployment
- Eric Nyarko – Former Head of Accounts
- Albert Oteng Owusu – Former Internal Auditor
- Kweku Dekyi Agyei – Accounts Officer
- Iddrisu Ibn Abu-Bakr – Former Head of Accounts
- Stephen Kwabena Gyamfi – Koforidua Municipal Director
- Prince Agbofa Awuku – District Director
- Jacob Yawson – MIS Administrator, Northern Regional Office
In addition, several private vendors are alleged to have collaborated with the accused to manipulate the Authority’s Central Management System in the coordinated scheme to siphon public funds.
President Mahama, for his part, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. He has publicly pledged not to interfere in the ongoing judicial processes, stating that Ghana’s anti-corruption institutions must be allowed to function independently and without political pressure.
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