Gifty Oware-Mensah used NSS Allowances as Collateral for GH¢30 Million Loan
Ghana’s Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, has disclosed that Gifty Oware-Mensah, the former Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), allegedly used NSS allowances as collateral to secure a GH¢30 million loan from the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB).
The startling announcement was made public during a press briefing on Friday, where the Attorney General detailed ongoing investigations into alleged financial irregularities within the National Service Secretariat.
“Preliminary findings indicate that NSS funds—specifically service personnel allowances—were pledged as collateral to secure a GH¢30 million facility from ADB,” stated Ayine.
“This was done under the authority of then Executive Director, Madam Gifty Oware-Mensah,” he added.
The disclosure has triggered widespread concern among civil society organizations, governance experts, and the general public over the potential diversion of critical national resources intended for the welfare of service personnel.
Many are questioning how such a significant financial decision could be made without Parliamentary approval or broader stakeholder consultation.
The Attorney General has confirmed that a full forensic audit has been commissioned and that Gifty Oware-Mensah may be called in for questioning by relevant state investigative bodies.
The news has sent shockwaves through social media and political circles, with calls mounting for transparency, restitution, and potential legal action if wrongdoing is confirmed.
“This is an abuse of public trust at the highest level. National Service personnel already face significant delays and shortfalls in allowance payments. This cannot go unpunished,” said a student union leader reacting on X (formerly Twitter).
Gifty Oware-Mensah, a high-profile figure affiliated with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), served as NSS Executive Director during a critical period of the scheme’s expansion and digital reforms. The scheme is responsible for deploying over 100,000 graduates annually, each entitled to monthly stipends funded by the government.
The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), Ghana’s leading state-owned agricultural financing institution, has not yet commented on the alleged transaction.
The Attorney General’s office has pledged to follow the legal process thoroughly and transparently.
“We must send a clear message that public funds are sacred and cannot be leveraged for unauthorized purposes, regardless of status or affiliation,” Ayine stated.
As the investigation unfolds, the nation watches closely for answers, and accountability.
