Did you know Ghana’s National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) uncovered over 81,000 ghost names on a government payroll in 2025? That’s just one of the many eye-opening operations they've led recently.
From high-profile corruption busts to anti-smuggling missions, the NIB has been working behind the scenes to protect national interests. But what’s really going on? Who’s been affected, and what does it mean for the future of Ghana?
In this article, we’ll break down:
✅ The most shocking discoveries of 2025, including leadership changes and major arrests.
✅ The NIB’s past successes, from anti-smuggling crackdowns to security training.
✅ What do these findings mean for ordinary Ghanaians and what to expect moving forward.
Background and Structure of the NIB
But before we dive into the shocking findings of 2025, it's crucial to understand how the NIB operates and why its latest moves are shaking the country to its core.
The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) is Ghana's internal intelligence agency, formerly known as the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI). It plays a critical role in safeguarding the country’s national security through intelligence gathering, investigations, and strategic operations.
Purpose and Responsibilities
The NIB is mandated to:
🗹 Counter threats to Ghana's national security.
🗹 Investigate and detain suspects of criminal offences.
🗹 Tackle organized crime, financial fraud, espionage, sabotage, terrorism, hijacking, and piracy.
🗹 Provide timely intelligence to the government for informed decision-making.
Operational Framework
The NIB operates under the National Security Council, which oversees internal security and counterintelligence strategies. With offices in all 16 regions, the bureau ensures comprehensive coverage and quick response to potential threats.
NIB officials can apply for warrants to carry out their duties, ensuring that investigations adhere to Ghanaian legal standards.
Legal Foundation: Act 526
The NIB’s authority is rooted in the 1996 Security and Intelligence Agencies Act (Act 526) which established the then-BNI mandated regional and district security councils to identify and address security threats at the grassroots level.
Role of the National Security Council
The National Security Council plays a supervisory role, in formulating policies to manage national security challenges. It also evaluates the performance of Ghana’s security and intelligence sector, ensuring accountability and efficiency.
Let’s explore how recent developments have pushed the NIB into the spotlight, uncovering a wave of aggressive crackdowns, unexpected detentions, and covert operations that are transforming Ghana's battle against corruption and organized crime.
What’s Happening in 2025 and Why It Matters
1. Leadership Shakeup at the Top
In a surprising turn of events, President John Dramani Mahama appointed Charles Kipo as the new Director-General of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) on January 15, 2025. This appointment followed the abrupt resignation of Nana Attobrah Quaicoe, who came under fire for his alleged involvement in a state land acquisition scandal.
According to insider sources, senior NIB officials had raised concerns about Quaicoe's leadership style months before his resignation. These concerns reportedly accelerated after evidence surfaced linking him to undervalued land acquisitions near prime government properties.
Kipo, previously the Deputy Director of Intelligence Operations, is known for his no-nonsense approach to corruption. His past success in dismantling a cross-border smuggling ring in 2023 earned him respect across Ghana’s security circles.
Some critics claim that the change in leadership is politically motivated, with the new administration keen to install loyalists in key positions. However, Kipo’s reputation as a technocrat seems to counter this narrative.
2. Ghost Names Scandal Rocks the National Service Authority (NSA)
One of the most explosive revelations of 2025 has been the ghost names scandal at the National Service Authority (NSA). Acting on a presidential directive, the NIB uncovered a staggering 81,237 ghost names on the NSA payroll during a routine audit in February 2025.
Behind the scenes:
The investigation began when a whistleblower tipped off the NIB about irregularities in the NSA’s payment system. Upon deeper scrutiny, investigators discovered that many of the listed service personnel had either never reported for duty or ceased service years ago, yet salaries were still being disbursed.
Key arrests:
Kwaku Ohene Gyan, the former Deputy Director of Operations at the NSA, was detained on February 12, 2025, for allegedly orchestrating the scheme.
Gifty Oware-Mensah, the Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS) and a member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council, has been implicated in a significant payroll fraud scandal involving the NSS.
Reports allege that she oversaw the disbursement of allowances to approximately 81,885 fictitious service personnel, resulting in a financial loss of about GHS 68.64 billion.
Amid these allegations, Oware-Mensah is reportedly in Morocco, fulfilling her duties as the chairperson of the Black Queens Management Committee during the team's training tour. Sources close to her indicate that she is willing to cooperate with any accountability processes and maintains that she executed her role at the NSS with integrity.
However, other reports suggest that she may be planning to flee Ghana to evade accountability. Insiders claim that her office has threatened media outlets to deter them from publishing stories that could tarnish her reputation.
The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) is reportedly seeking to question Oware-Mensah in connection with the ongoing investigations into the alleged payroll fraud at the NSS.
Public outcry has intensified, with many Ghanaians demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for those involved in the scandal. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are anticipated as investigations proceed.
Yaw Danso, an accountant at the National Service Authority, was also detained in connection with the ghost name scandal uncovered within the organization.
The scandal is estimated to have cost the government over GH₵450 million annually in fraudulent payments.
Investigators found that 20 NSA district directors and 13 payroll officers were complicit in the fraud. Many had created fake bank accounts to collect salaries on behalf of ghost beneficiaries.
This crackdown not only exposes deep-rooted corruption but also demonstrates the NIB’s growing proactive role in safeguarding public funds.
3. High-Profile Detentions Raise Eyebrows
The NIB's anti-corruption drive intensified on February 23, 2025, when Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, the former Chairman of the Public Procurement Authority Board and ex-Education Minister, was detained for questioning.
What makes this significant:
While official statements remain vague, sources close to the investigation suggest that the detention is linked to irregularities in government contract awards during his tenure at the PPA.
The NIB reportedly froze three bank accounts linked to Ameyaw-Akumfi, containing over GH₵7 million.
This arrest sends a strong message that no one is above the law, regardless of political affiliation.
4. NIB Summons Abronye Over ₵550M Allegation Against Mahama
The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has summoned Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, over claims that former President John Mahama withheld GH₵550 million meant for dismissed government appointees.
Abronye made the allegations during an interview on Movement Television, also accusing the previous administration of corruption in recruitment and dismissals. The NIB has asked him to provide evidence, highlighting the agency's commitment to investigating sensitive public claims.
NIB Questions Joe Ghartey Over Ghana Sky Train Project
The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has invited former Minister for Railway Development, Joe Ghartey, for questioning about the Ghana Sky Train project. Once promoted as a transformative solution for Accra's traffic congestion, the project has faced criticism over its stalled progress, unclear funding, and transparency issues.
Ghartey is expected to provide details regarding contractual agreements and financial commitments as investigations into the project's management continue.
Past Activities: Building the Foundation for 2025’s Crackdown
a. Anti-Smuggling Operations: Cocoa Syndicates Exposed
In September 2024, the NIB intercepted three truckloads of dried cocoa beans in Dambai, Oti Region, disguised as crates of minerals. The 1,800 bags, valued at approximately GH₵12 million, were allegedly being smuggled to Togo.
What set this apart:
The smugglers used false compartmentalization, hiding the cocoa under layers of gravel and minerals to bypass routine border checks.
NIB investigations uncovered a network of corrupt officials within the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Five customs officers were suspended pending investigations.
Unconfirmed reports linked one of the arrested drivers to a former regional NPP executive, raising questions about political protection for smuggling syndicates.
This operation exposed how cross-border smuggling networks operate with internal collusion, prompting stricter border surveillance protocols.
b. Bawku Conflict Mediation: Intelligence-Led Peacekeeping
The NIB played a behind-the-scenes role in de-escalating tensions during the 2024 Bawku chieftaincy conflict. Intelligence gathered by NIB operatives helped prevent planned attacks, while negotiators facilitated dialogue between the rival factions.
Key overlooked details:
📌 Preemptive Interventions: NIB sources revealed that three planned attacks were foiled after undercover operatives intercepted WhatsApp group chats organizing assaults.
📌 Arms Trafficking Bust: In July 2024, NIB operatives intercepted a truckload of illegal arms destined for Bawku, arresting two ex-military officers allegedly hired by one of the factions.
📌 Long-Term Strategy: The NIB established a community intelligence network, training youth leaders to act as early warning hubs for potential violence.
This proactive approach saved lives and demonstrated the NIB’s shift from reactive investigations to preventative intelligence-gathering.
c. Election Security: Protecting Ghana’s Democratic Process
During the 2024 general elections, the NIB collaborated with the Electoral Commission (EC) and other security agencies to prevent election-related violence and fraud.
Key achievements:
🙾 Fake Ballot Printing Foiled: In November 2024, NIB operatives raided a printing press in Kasoa, seizing 35,000 pre-marked ballot papers intended to sway the election in the Central Region.
🙾 Cybersecurity Monitoring: The NIB’s cyber unit detected and blocked 17 phishing attacks targeting the EC’s results transmission system.
🙾 Post-Election Peacekeeping: After the election, the NIB monitored social media to identify and counter incendiary posts, ensuring a peaceful transition of power.
These efforts upheld Ghana’s democratic integrity, reinforcing public trust in the electoral process.
d. Capacity Building: Strengthening Internal Competence
Recognizing the evolving nature of security threats, the NIB has invested heavily in training and technology.
Key initiatives:
🗸 Leadership Development: In September 2023, the NIB hosted a 5-day leadership workshop covering conflict management, strategic planning, and emotional intelligence.
🗸 Digital Transformation: The bureau upgraded its surveillance systems, integrating AI-driven threat detection and real-time data analysis.
🗸 International Collaboration: NIB officers participated in joint training exercises with the CIA (USA), MI6 (UK), and Mossad (Israel), enhancing their counter-terrorism and cybersecurity capabilities.
e. Counter-Terrorism: Foiling Extremist Plots
Ghana’s proximity to the Sahel region, a hotbed of extremist activity, has made counter-terrorism a top priority for the NIB.
Key successes:
Jihadist Sleeper Cell Dismantled: In April 2024, the NIB arrested seven suspected jihadists in Tamale, seizing explosive devices, radical literature, and encrypted communication tools.
Border Security Boost: The NIB established joint patrols with the Ghana Immigration Service along the northern border, supported by drone surveillance.
Community Engagement: To counter-radicalisation, the NIB launched the "Safe Communities Initiative", promoting youth empowerment and civic education in vulnerable regions.
What’s Next for the NIB?
Under Charles Kipo's leadership, the NIB is expected to:
🗹 Expand Cyber Intelligence: Focus on online fraud, misinformation campaigns, and crypto-based money laundering.
🗹 Intensify Anti-Corruption Drives: With the ongoing NSA ghost names probe, more high-profile arrests are likely.
🗹 Strengthen Border Security: Given the Sahel crisis, expect enhanced surveillance along northern entry points.
Promote Transparency: Kipo has promised quarterly public updates on NIB activities, a first in Ghana’s intelligence history.
Conclusion: A New Era of Accountability and Vigilance
The National Intelligence Bureau’s (NIB) recent activities reflect a paradigm shift in Ghana’s approach to national security and anti-corruption efforts. From high-profile arrests to cyber-driven investigations, the bureau is positioning itself as Ghana's frontline defence against economic crimes, cross-border threats, and internal instability.
Key Takeaways:
Anti-Corruption Drive: The NSA ghost names scandal and the detention of top officials signal a zero-tolerance approach to public sector fraud.
Border Security: The cocoa smuggling bust and arms trafficking interception show improved surveillance along Ghana’s porous borders.
Election Integrity: By blocking fake ballots and securing digital platforms, the NIB safeguarded Ghana’s democracy during the 2024 general elections.
Counter-Terrorism: The Tamale jihadist arrests and northern border patrols reflect proactive intelligence-gathering to prevent extremist infiltration.
Capacity Building: Through international partnerships and digital transformation, the NIB is modernizing its operations to address emerging threats.
This newfound agility and assertiveness suggest the NIB is evolving into a multifaceted security agency, balancing traditional intelligence work with 21st-century challenges like cybercrime and misinformation warfare.
