Four Akufo-Addo appointees arrested by Mahama government in less than three months in office

In the early days of his tenure, the president established Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) to target appointees, particularly from the previous government, suspected of amassing wealth or acquiring state properties through dubious means.

As part of this initiative, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has arrested and detained several individuals believed to have been involved in corruption scandals under the previous administration.

Here is a list of some appointees of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who have been arrested, detained, and later released by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), pending further investigations.

1.Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi – Former Minister of Education

The Former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, was detained by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) on Sunday, February 23, 2025, over his alleged involvement in the failed $3 billion Accra Sky Train project.

His arrest took place at Kawukudi, near Nima, in the Greater Accra Region.

2.Gifty Oware-Mensah – Former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA)

Former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority, Gifty Oware-Mensah, was also detained by the NIB.

Reports indicate that she was taken into custody on Friday, March 7, 2025, detained, and released later.

Her detention is linked to an ongoing NIB investigation into payroll fraud during her tenure at the NSA.

Gifty Oware-Mensah returned to Ghana on Tuesday, March 5, 2025, after spending time abroad on holiday following the 2024 elections. Her lawyer, Nana Agyei-Baffour, speaking to JoyNews after her return, stated that she had not received any prior invitation from the NIB regarding the matter.

3.Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng – Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral

Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral, has been arrested by the NIB over an alleged case of double identity on March 14, 2025.

The embattled pastor is currently assisting with investigations.

4.Kwaku Ohene Gyan (Osonoba) – Former Deputy Director in Charge of Operations at the NSA

Former Deputy Director in Charge of Operations at the National Service Authority (NSA), Kwaku Ohene Gyan, also known as Osonoba, was detained by the NIB on February 22, 2025.

According to a news report, two pickup vehicles reportedly trailed him from town before arresting him and transporting him to the NIB headquarters.

The reason for his arrest remains unclear, but it is believed to be linked to the ongoing NSA payroll fraud investigation, which uncovered allegations of ghost names fraudulently added to the payroll.

Ohene Gyan was interrogated by NIB officials on February 23, 2025, but was later released.

President Mahama’s Directive on NSA Payroll Fraud

President John Dramani Mahama had earlier instructed the NIB to investigate the operations of the NSA after a staggering 81,885 suspected ghost names were discovered on its payroll.

A press statement from the presidency on February 12, 2025, noted that these discrepancies were identified following a nationwide headcount of active National Service personnel, initiated by finance minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

Following the findings, the Finance Ministry released GH¢226,019,224 to settle allowance arrears for 98,145 actual National Service personnel.