NSS “ghost names” saga: I’ve served with honesty, will answer to any court – Mustapha Ussif

Former Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Mustapha Ussif, has strongly denied any involvement in wrongdoing following allegations highlighted during a press conference by the Attorney-General on Friday.

Ussif, who is also the sitting Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubori on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), responded swiftly to the Attorney-General’s remarks, issuing a statement in which he welcomed the opportunity to account for his tenure.

“I wish to categorically deny any alleged wrongdoing,” the statement read, adding that he remains “ready, willing, and able to account for my stewardship at the National Service Scheme from February 2017 to January 6, 2021.”

The Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, had earlier disclosed that government was pursuing at least 12 suspects in connection with an alleged financial misconduct scheme at the NSS, as part of a broader anti-corruption initiative dubbed Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL).

The announcement has sparked public interest, particularly around high-profile past and present government officials.

In a measured but firm tone, Ussif said he remains committed to the principles of accountability and public service.

“Once you hold public office, you should at all material times, and at whatever cost, be ready, willing, and able to account for your stewardship,” he stated.

The MP also sought to calm nerves among his supporters and party faithful.

“I therefore urge all well-wishers, friends, family, constituents, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the general public to be calm, knowing very well that I have, throughout my public life, served with diligence and honesty.”

Ussif served as Executive Director of the NSS from 2017 until the end of President Akufo-Addo’s first term in January 2021, and served as Minister for Youth and Sports.

Read Mustapha Ussif’s statement below

STATEMENT BY MUSTAPHA USSIF, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (YAGABA-KUBORI) AND FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME (2017-2021)

My attention has come to a press conference by the Attorney-General, held on June 13, 2025, and I wish to categorically deny any alleged wrongdoing.

That said, it is my fervent belief that once you hold public office, you should at all material times, and at whatever cost, be ready, willing, and able to account for your stewardship.

Therefore, I wish to state that I am ready, willing, and able to account for my stewardship at the National Service Scheme (NSS) from February 2017 to January 6, 2021.

Consequently, I welcome any opportunity to do so including but not limited to having my day in a Court of competent jurisdiction.

I therefore urge all well-wishers, friends, family, constituents, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the general public to be calm, knowing very well that I have, throughout my public life, served with diligence and honesty.

SIGNED:

MUSTAPHA USSIF (MP)