News
NSS scandal: Gifty Oware-Mensah granted bail
A former Deputy Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah, has been granted bail following her detention by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) over the allegations of payroll fraud during her tenure at the Authority.
Sources at the NIB confirmed to JoyNews that Oware-Mensah, who is also an Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), was discharged on Saturday after several hours of questioning.
However, the specific terms of her bail remain unclear.
Oware-Mensah’s arrest follows a widely reported investigation into the alleged embezzlement of funds at the NSA, specifically relating to fraudulent payroll activities that occurred while she was in office.
The case has attracted considerable public attention, with many closely watching the developments surrounding the former NSA official’s involvement in the scandal.
Background
The NIB is probing her work at the NSS over allegations that thousands of ghost names were used to defraud the state of millions of cedis in allowances.
The government says it has uncovered a significant discrepancy in the National Service payroll, revealing 81,885 suspected ghost names.
This figure represents the difference between the actual number of active personnel and the payroll data submitted by the previous management of the National Service Authority (NSA).
According to the latest findings, there are currently 98,145 active service personnel, a stark contrast to the 180,030 names presented for allowance payment in 2024.
“This figure is 81,885 less than the 180,030 names presented by the previous management of the Authority for allowance payment in 2024,” the statement read
The 81,885 names that have been flagged as potentially fraudulent or inflated could represent a major misuse of public funds.
As the Deputy Executive Director, Gifty Oware-Mensah had responsibility for administration and finance of the NSS and is expected to be a key witness in the ongoing investigations.
The alleged payroll fraud is reported to have cost the state a staggering GHȼ50 million each month.
It is unclear how long the alleged scheme went on.
The NIB recently detained and questioned Kwaku Ohene Djan, also a former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority, over the raging allegations.
According to the Fourth Estate, which made the revelation, top officials of the NSA created thousands of ghost names and accounts presented as persons serving the nation under the scheme and collecting monthly allowances through this account, which ends up in their personal pockets.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
News
Stonebwoy’s electrifying London concert : A Story of Resilience and Triumph
London came alive as one of Ghana’s finest musical exports, Stonebwoy rocked thousands at the Up and Running Tour concert held at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
The show opened with Stonebwoy emerging in silhouette form, standing atop a riser.
The shadowed figure created an air of mystery, leaving the crowd eager to see the man behind the shape.
As the opening notes of his song “Hero” filled the venue, the lights dramatically revealed him now fully visible — wearing a striking ensemble that told a deeper story.
Stonebwoy’s attire was no accident he wore a tattered jacket, Rick Owens pants and Balenciaga footwear adorned with chains.This look wasn’t just fashion; it symbolized resilience.
The torn clothes represented the negativity, criticism, and adversity he’s faced as a visual metaphor for the attempts to tear him down.
The chains further amplified this, reflecting the weight of judgment and challenges placed upon him.
Despite it all, there he stood proud, powerful, and still standing tall as a hero for his people.
The transition into up and running set:
In a powerful shift, Stonebwoy’s second set began from the upper level of the crowd, this time dressed in pristine white.
This transition was a statement no matter how much negativity is thrown his way, no matter how hard people try to break him, he remains true to his purpose: uplifting and inspiring his fans.
His presence among the crowd symbolized his unwavering connection to the people, a reminder that his journey, his struggles, and his triumphs are all for them.
News
Health Minister pays working visit to Ahanta West Municipal Hospital
The Minister of Health, Mintah Akandoh has paid a working visit to the Ahanta West Municipal Hospital- Bokro in the Western Region to assess the state of the facility.
The hospital, which is one of the health facilities under the Agenda 111 project was commissioned by the previous administration to improve healthcare infrastructure across the country.
Speaking during his visit, Akandoh emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the completion of the Agenda 111 hospitals.
However, he revealed that at the time of its commissioning, the facility was nowhere near ready to serve the public.
“I have a clear instructions from Mr. President to assess all agenda 111 project and give him a blue print as the way forward,” he stated.
The Health Minister, along with officials from the Ministry of Health, toured the facility to evaluate the extent of work done so far and identify key areas that require intervention.
The assessment aims to facilitate strategic planning for the completion and operationalization of the hospital to serve the health needs of residents in Ahanta West and beyond.
“When we talk about a hospital being in operation, it is not just the brick and mortar that is why I was requesting
