Former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah, has been charged with multiple counts of financial crimes, including stealing, willfully causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering, in what prosecutors describe as a sophisticated scheme to divert public funds through a hire-purchase arrangement under the NSA’s “marketplace” platform.
According to court filings at the High Court in Accra, the alleged offenses occurred between February 2022 and March 2024, resulting in an estimated GH₵38.4 million in financial losses to the Republic of Ghana.
Prosecutors allege that Oware-Mensah dishonestly appropriated GH₵31.5 million belonging to the NSA by facilitating transfers to a private company, Blocks of Life Consult (BLC), purportedly for goods on hire-purchase for National Service personnel. The funds, the prosecution says, were instead diverted for her personal benefit.
The charges filed include:
- Count One – Stealing: The prosecution claims that Oware-Mensah dishonestly appropriated GH₵31,502,091.40 in public funds.
- Count Two – Willfully Causing Financial Loss to the Republic: She allegedly directed funds to BLC under false pretences, resulting in the same loss amount.
- Count Three – Willfully Causing Financial Loss (additional): The indictment also cites a separate sum of GH₵6,956,157.47 linked to unauthorized financial transactions.
- Count Four – Using Public Office for Profit: Prosecutors say she abused her position to receive funds without lawful authorization.
- Count Five – Money Laundering: She is accused of concealing proceeds from unlawful activities in violation of section 1(2)(a)(i) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2000 (Act 1044).
The case centres on a controversial hire-purchase platform introduced under the NSA’s operations. According to the charge sheet, the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) was engaged to provide loans through an escrow arrangement intended to support service personnel in acquiring goods. Investigators, however, allege that BLC was used as a conduit for siphoning off state funds.
The Attorney-General’s Office contends that Oware-Mensah’s actions directly caused millions in losses to the Republic, undermining the credibility of the national service scheme.
Legal sources indicate that the trial is expected to begin soon at the High Court in Accra, as prosecutors move to establish a full case of financial impropriety, abuse of office, and corruption.
If convicted, the former NSA official could face severe custodial sentences, forfeiture of assets, and disqualification from holding public office.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
