By a bold and fiery statement, Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging an individual known as A-Plus to a public showdown over the ongoing National Service Scheme (NSS) scandal. The controversy, which has rocked the nation, centers on a sophisticated financial scam involving fake identities—some belonging to non-existent individuals and even 90-year-old “graduates”—siphoning off national service stipends. Dr. Ayine’s remarks signal a new chapter in Ghana’s fight against corruption, as the Attorney-General pledges to dive “into the mud” to expose the truth.
A Scandal That Shook the Nation
The NSS scandal came to light earlier this year through an investigative report by The Fourth Estate, a non-profit, public interest journalism project under the Media Foundation for West Africa. Published on February 13, 2025, the exposé revealed how a digitalization initiative at the National Service Authority (NSA)—touted as a solution to eliminate “ghost names” from payrolls—had instead been co-opted into one of the most brazen financial scams in Ghana’s public service history.
The investigation uncovered that the NSS’s digital system, which was supposed to enhance transparency, was manipulated to facilitate fraud. Fake identities, including those of elderly individuals who could not possibly be national service participants, were being paid monthly stipends. The report highlighted how the NSS bypassed internal systems to pre-approve these ghost names, leading to millions of cedis being siphoned off. In a damning revelation, The Fourth Estate noted that even after former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia praised the NSS’s digitalization efforts in 2022 as a success story in fighting corruption, the reality was far grimmer.
The Media Foundation for West Africa faced significant resistance in accessing further records from the NSS, prompting an appeal to the Right to Information (RTI) Commission to force disclosure. The court also awarded costs of GHS 6,000 against the NSA in favor of the Foundation, underscoring the public interest in uncovering the full scope of the scandal.
Dr. Dominic Ayine’s Call to Action
Dr. Dominic Ayine, who was appointed Attorney-General and Minister for Justice in January 2025 by President John Dramani Mahama, has made combating corruption a cornerstone of his tenure. A distinguished legal scholar, seasoned politician, and founder of the reputable Ayine & Felli Law Office, Ayine brings a wealth of experience to the role. His firm has a long history of representing clients in complex commercial and investment law cases, both in Ghana and internationally, and is known for its commitment to serving the people.
In a statement shared via a post by Berry Pulse Media Inc. on April 30, 2025, Ayine issued a direct challenge to A-Plus, an individual allegedly linked to the NSS scandal. “I’m prepared to go into the mud with A-Plus. What I have on him on the NSS scandal, I dare him to organize a press conference to show his evidence,” Ayine declared. The Attorney-General’s words reflect his determination to hold those involved accountable and to restore integrity to Ghana’s public institutions.
Ayine’s appointment as Attorney-General came with a clear mandate: to strengthen the justice delivery system, combat corruption, and ensure that Ghana’s legal framework supports sustainable economic development. His focus on access to justice for marginalized and vulnerable populations has also earned him praise, but the NSS scandal presents a formidable challenge to his agenda.
The Political and Social Context
Dr. Ayine is no stranger to public service. His political journey began in 2013 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Bolgatanga East Constituency. Since then, he has established himself as a fierce advocate for justice and accountability. His academic background and legal expertise have positioned him as a formidable figure in Ghana’s fight against systemic corruption.
The NSS scandal, however, is emblematic of deeper issues within Ghana’s public sector. The misuse of digital systems to perpetrate fraud has eroded public trust in government initiatives, especially those touted as anti-corruption measures. Former Vice President Bawumia’s earlier claims that linking payrolls to the Ghana Card had eliminated over 14,000 ghost names now ring hollow in light of The Fourth Estate’s findings.
Public reaction to Ayine’s challenge has been swift. A user on X, Collins Ntiful, commented on Berry Pulse Media Inc.’s post, saying, “Asem beba dabi,” a local phrase implying that trouble is brewing. Ghanaians are watching closely as the Attorney-General prepares to take on A-Plus and others implicated in the scandal.
What’s Next?
As Dr. Ayine prepares to confront A-Plus, the nation awaits further developments in the NSS scandal. The Fourth Estate has promised a second part to its investigation, which will delve deeper into how the NSS bypassed systems to approve ghost names on a monthly basis. Meanwhile, the RTI Commission’s ruling on the appeal for additional NSS records could provide more clarity on the extent of the fraud.
For Ayine, the stakes are high. His commitment to rooting out corruption will be tested as he navigates this high-profile case. A father of three and a respected figure in Ghanaian society, Ayine has vowed to leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of justice.
A Call for Accountability
The NSS scandal has exposed the vulnerabilities in Ghana’s public systems and the urgent need for genuine reform. Dr. Dominic Ayine’s bold stance against A-Plus is a step toward accountability, but it is only the beginning. As Ghanaians demand transparency and justice, the Attorney-General’s actions in the coming weeks will be closely scrutinized.
Will Ayine’s challenge lead to a turning point in Ghana’s fight against corruption, or will the NSS scandal remain a stain on the nation’s governance? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the battle for integrity in Ghana’s public sector has just begun.
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