Former NSS boss charged with causing financial loss, stealing

Former Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei Assibey Antwi, has been charged with 14 criminal offences involving over GH¢600 million in alleged financial mismanagement.

According to a charge sheet filed at the High Court in Accra, the former NSA boss is accused of authorising payments to more than 60,000 fake national service personnel.

The alleged offences took place between August 2021 and February 2025, during his tenure as head of the agency.

Prosecutors say Mr Assibey Antwi caused a financial loss of GH¢500 million by approving allowances for these non-existent individuals.

He is also facing six counts of stealing, with amounts including GH¢3.6 million and over GH¢1 million allegedly taken at various times between August 2023 and May 2024.

In one instance, he is accused of transferring GH¢8.26 million from the NSA’s Control Account directly to his personal e-zwich card. Authorities claim this forms part of a wider money laundering case, alleging the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

The prosecution also cites GH¢74 million in unauthorised withdrawals from the Kumawu Farm Project account, with funds reportedly unaccounted for or unused for the intended purpose.

Specific amounts listed include GH¢55 million in September 2022 and GH¢15 million in October 2023.

Mr Assibey Antwi, who left office in early 2025, has not yet responded publicly to the charges.

The case is expected to proceed at the Accra High Court, where the prosecution will present detailed evidence.