The ongoing public discourse surrounding the National Service Scheme (NSS) scandal is fundamentally a matter of public interest rather than political manoeuvring, Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid, Economic Adviser to the Vice President, has said.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, June 14, Prof. Khalid underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing the alleged irregularities that have plagued the vital national programme.

The NSS has been embroiled in a significant scandal involving suspected 81,885 "ghost names" on its payroll, with reports suggesting potential losses of tens of millions of Ghana Cedis monthly to the state.

The Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine, recently announced intentions to file charges against 12 key suspects, including former executives, prompting intense public scrutiny.

Prof. Khalid asserted that the widespread public attention and discussion surrounding the NSS issue, particularly the specifics of the alleged fraud and the progress of investigations by ORAL, transcends partisan politics.

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He argued that the nature of the alleged financial malfeasance directly impacts public funds and the integrity of a programme critical for Ghanaian youth, making it inherently a matter of national concern.

"This is not a political issue to be trivialised or confined to party lines," Prof. Khalid stated on the programme. "When public resources are allegedly misappropriated, and a scheme meant to serve our youth is compromised, the public has a right, and indeed a duty, to demand answers and accountability. The intensified public interest, in this case, is a healthy sign of civic engagement."

He emphasised that transparency from state institutions, including the Attorney General's office, in providing updates on such cases, is crucial.

While acknowledging the complexities and necessary delays in legal processes – recognising that the "wheels of justice turn slowly" – Prof. Khalid supported the ongoing dialogue as a mechanism for building public trust.

The NSS scandal, which came to light with revelations of thousands of suspected non-existent personnel on the payroll, has sparked calls from various civil society organisations for thorough investigations and prosecution of those found culpable.

The Attorney General's office has stated its commitment to recovering any misappropriated funds and assets linked to the alleged fraud, reinforcing the view that the core objective is to reclaim what rightfully belongs to the Ghanaian people.

Prof. Khalid's comments contribute to a broader call for public interest cases to be treated with the seriousness they deserve, devoid of political spin, and with a steadfast focus on ensuring justice and protecting state resources.