The state has filed an amended charge sheet against former National Service Authority (NSA) Executive Director Osei Assibey Antwi, increasing the number of charges from 14 to 21 and revising key particulars of the alleged offences. Mr. Assibey Antwi, who led the NSA from September 2021 to January 2025, has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The amended charge sheet alleges that Mr. Assibey Antwi caused a financial loss of GH¢431,761,556.76 to the state by authorizing payments to non-service personnel and unverified individuals. This is a reduction from the original claim of GH¢500,861,744.02 paid to over 60,000 alleged ghost national service personnel.
The prosecution claims that Mr. Assibey Antwi misused his authority by authorizing personnel lists submitted to the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems Limited for monthly disbursements. As principal spending officer and signatory to NSA accounts, he oversaw day-to-day operations and approvals for payments to verified personnel and marketplace vendors.
Alleged Diversion of Funds
Several counts allege that funds meant for service personnel were diverted to e-zwich card registered in Mr. Assibey Antwi’s name, which received GH¢8,256,000 between 2022 and 2024. The card was not disclosed during the office handover and was initially denied during questioning, but was later recovered from his Dome residence with evidence of personal withdrawals.
Vendor Payments and Farm Project
The amended charge sheet also alleges that payments were made to NSA marketplace vendors without services being rendered. Some vendors reportedly refunded money directly to Mr. Assibey Antwi in cash. One example cited is GH¢7,704,880.92 allegedly paid to Direct Savings and Loans despite no services being provided.
Additional counts relate to the Sekyere-Kumawu Economic Enclave (Farm) Project, where GH¢106 million was transferred from the NSA Control Account between August 2022 and June 2024. Prosecutors allege the project failed to deliver value for money, resulting in an estimated loss of GH¢61,289,843.30.
New Charges
Other new charges include allegations of improper payment of public funds under the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), as well as stealing, causing financial loss to the Republic, and money laundering.
The case has been adjourned to April 13, 2026, for a case management conference.
Source: Kumasipioneer
