They must face the consequences – Former NPP MP on corrupt NPP officials

Former Sekondi Member of Parliament, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has backed the ongoing investigation into the GH¢548 million ghost worker scandal at the National Service Scheme (NSS), insisting that individuals found culpable must be held accountable.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, the former deputy minister admitted that even well-intentioned governments, like the Akufo-Addo administration in which he served, can have “bad nuts” who engage in wrongdoing.

“I served in a government of good men with a clear objective to serve Ghana, but in every house, there’s a Mensah,” Mercer stated, stressing the need to punish corrupt officials.

The Attorney General’s office is currently investigating senior NSS officials, including the CEO, over a payroll fraud scheme involving 81,885 ghost names, which led to major financial losses for the country over several years.

Mercer emphasised the importance of due process, saying investigations not only bring justice to the guilty but also give the innocent a chance to clear their names.

“If people are found to have misconducted themselves, they must face the consequences. A thorough probe holds offenders accountable and gives others a chance to prove their innocence,” he said.