New NSS Board to be named by Friday - Okudzeto Ablakwa

The Ministry of Education will name an interim head for the National Service Scheme by Friday, October 10, Deputy Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed.  

The Board of Directors last week took over the running of affairs at the Secretariat after directing all top management, including the Executive Director, Alhaji Imoro Alhassan to step aside to allow unimpeded investigations into the alleged payroll fraud in the scheme.

A total of Ghȼ7.9 million was said to have been paid in July 2014 to some 22,000 service persons across 100 districts who cannot be traced.

With ongoing investigations nearing an end, Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa said consultations are underway to name an interim Manager for the scheme by close of the week to superintend the implementation recommendations of the investigative body, the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).

“The decision is to appoint an interim manager in the next three days to implement the reforms needed in tune with ongoing investigations,” Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa said on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM, Wednesday October 8.

The Ministry will continue to exercise oversight responsibility at the NSS, the Deputy Minister added.

He was, however, displeased at the seeming media war between some members of the previous and current administrations over who is to be liable for the alleged fraud.

Board member, Isaac Annan Riverson had stated on Joy FM the rot preceded their inauguration in December, 2013. Immediate-past Executive Director, Vincent Senam Kuagbenu also said on the Super Morning Show on Tuesday, that his administration is innocent of the development.

But Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa maintains, what is of most importance now is to identify the perpetrators, “stop this mess and punish those involved in perpetuating this fraud on our nation”.

“These are the issues that must engage our attention…rather than pointing accusing fingers at each other,” he advised.

  Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Jerry Tsatro Mordy | [email protected]