Eric Nyarko, the former Head of Accounts at the National Service Authority (NSA), told a court on Thursday that he only received processed data for the ADB-NSA hire purchase scheme. Mr. Nyarko confirmed he neither generated nor approved the data. This testimony occurred during the ongoing trial against the former Deputy Executive Director, Gifty Oware-Aboagye.
Mr. Nyarko testified as the third prosecution witness. He stated that the data for the scheme came from the Authority’s IT consultant, Samuel Korley. He added that Mr. Korley transmitted this data under the instructions of Ms. Oware-Aboagye. Mr. Nyarko’s role involved signing the master agreement between the NSA and the Agricultural Development Bank as a witness. He explained that the NSA was responsible for deducting loan repayments from the allowances of National Service Personnel who benefited from the arrangement.
This case is significant for public account transparency and the fight against financial irregularities within state institutions in Ghana. Allegations of ghost names and non-existent beneficiaries in government schemes frequently lead to substantial financial losses. For example, a previous audit report identified GHS 2.4 billion missing or unaccounted funds at the NSA. Cases like this erode public trust and demand rigorous judicial scrutiny to ensure accountability in public service.
“I only received processed data, what I mean is that the data had been generated already right from the accused person who had the approval authority, and she is the person who has overall access for proper verification,” Mr. Nyarko told the court. He described his role as limited, focused on verifying National Service IDs within the data provided to him. Ms. Oware-Aboagye had assured him the system produced credible data.
The trial’s outcome has significant implications for how public funds are managed and disbursed in Ghana. It will also influence accountability standards for public officials involved in financial schemes. Decision-makers and the public will closely watch how the court evaluates evidence regarding data integrity and chain of command. This case could set a precedent for handling similar allegations of financial fraud in other public sector entities.
Mr. Nyarko recalled that in January 2023, Ms. Oware-Aboagye informed him about securing a loan agreement with ADB to supply items to service personnel. He advised using the Authority’s existing marketplace platform for vendors. However, Ms. Oware-Aboagye insisted on a special agreement, securing the loan using a list of personnel opting for the items. Mr. Korley, the NSA IT consultant, later sent him a list of interested personnel.
On January 20, 2023, Mr. Korley emailed Mr. Nyarko a list of 6,623 National Service Personnel. These individuals were reportedly interested in the ADB hire purchase programme. Mr. Nyarko confirmed he forwarded 5,890 names to Ms. Oware-Aboagye based on her instructions. He maintained his verification was limited to National Service IDs, as his department received soft copies of data.
Mr. Nyarko also testified that some instructions from the accused came via WhatsApp messages. He stated that electronic communication became a practical way to manage large datasets. He later received the list back from Ms. Oware-Aboagye with modifications. These modifications included products, prices, monthly instalments, and repayment periods for each listed individual. Towards the end of his testimony, Mr. Nyarko began referring to some listed beneficiaries as “supposed NSPs.” This was after the National Intelligence Bureau informed him that some names he prepared standing orders for were “ghost names” or non-existent National Service Personnel who received payments.