ADB Manager Alleges Oware-Mensah Directed NSA Funds to Private Firm
Gifty Oware-Mensah, formerly the Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), allegedly gave direct instructions to transfer money from NSA accounts to her private company, Blocks of Life Consult Limited. This was stated in court by Gilbert Serbeh Yeboah, Head of Commercial Banking at Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), on Tuesday. He testified as the first prosecution witness in a trial involving Ms. Oware-Mensah.
Mr. Yeboah told the court that the bank acted on a written directive from Ms. Oware-Mensah. He presented a letter dated March 2, 2023, as evidence. This letter, marked Exhibit D, explicitly authorized the transfer of funds from the NSA hire purchase account to Blocks of Life Consult Limited. The witness stated that the instruction, signed by Ms. Oware-Mensah in her official capacity, was clear. He confirmed that bank officials communicated with Ms. Oware-Mensah before each transfer occurred.
This situation occurred within the context of the National Service Authority's financial operations. The NSA manages funds intended for its programs and personnel. The alleged transfer of these funds to a private entity raises questions about financial oversight and the proper use of public money. The total value of the transfers has not yet been made public, but the case suggests a potential misuse of resources.
The defense lawyers tried to argue that the letter was not a standing order for future transfers. However, Mr. Yeboah insisted that the bank interpreted it as sufficient authorization. He stated that the bank received all the transferred funds. The NSA hire purchase account is described as a suspense account. It was created to manage loan disbursements and repayments for National Service Personnel. Repayments were often made through the e-Zwich system, which is a digital payment platform.
The witness explained that due to system limitations, about 10% of e-Zwich funds had to be withdrawn as cash. Bank officials then deposited this cash into the account. The defense questioned deposits made by specific ADB staff. Mr. Yeboah confirmed these deposits but stated they were part of the standard e-Zwich repayment process. He dismissed suggestions that the bank deliberately withheld records for Blocks of Life Consult Limited's accounts. Records for that account were handled by a different ADB branch.
The case has been adjourned to June 11, 2026. Further cross-examination of Mr. Yeboah is scheduled to continue. This trial is part of ongoing efforts to ensure accountability in public institutions. The National Service Authority plays a vital role in national development by deploying young graduates to various sectors.
The testimony highlights the importance of clear financial procedures and strong internal controls within government agencies. The court's proceedings will determine the extent of any wrongdoing and the implications for those involved. ADB maintains it followed instructions but the central issue remains the nature of those instructions and their legitimacy.