Former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware Mensah, has pleaded not guilty to charges of causing a GH¢38 million financial loss to the state.

She appeared before the Accra High Court on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, where she was formally charged with five counts. These include willfully causing financial loss to the state, stealing, money laundering, and using public office for personal gain.

According to state prosecutors, Gifty Oware Mensah allegedly created about 9,934 ghost national service personnel during her tenure. She reportedly benefited from monthly allowances paid under these fake names, leading to significant financial losses for the government.

Prosecutors said the case is part of a wider effort to combat payroll fraud and ghost name schemes in public institutions. The Attorney-General’s Department aims to restore accountability and transparency in state agencies through such prosecutions.

Her lawyer told the court that Mrs. Oware Mensah had cooperated fully with investigators and was not a flight risk.

After considering both sides, the High Court granted her bail of GH¢10 million with three sureties, two of whom must be justified. As part of her bail conditions, she must submit all passports to the court’s registry and report to the police every first Tuesday and Thursday of each month until the trial ends.

The prosecution is expected to file all witness statements and evidence before the next court sitting.

This case has drawn public attention as one of the major financial accountability trials under Ghana’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.