The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has vowed to take legal action against investigative journalism outfit, The Fourth Estate, over allegations linking him to a ghost names scandal at the National Service Scheme (NSS).
The Fourth Estate recently published an investigative report alleging that the NSS payroll was fraught with irregularities, including the presence of non-existent personnel receiving allowances. The report further suggested that certain high-ranking individuals, including Nana B, who once served as NSS Board Chairman, may have been aware of or complicit in the scheme.
Nana B Denies Allegations, Threatens Legal Action
In a strongly worded statement, Nana B dismissed the allegations as false, malicious, and an attempt to tarnish his reputation. He accused The Fourth Estate of engaging in “irresponsible journalism” and failing to provide any concrete evidence to substantiate their claims.
“This is a clear case of reckless journalism aimed at damaging my hard-earned reputation. I have never been involved in any fraudulent activity at the NSS, and I challenge them to provide a single piece of credible evidence to back their allegations,” Nana B stated.
He further indicated that his lawyers had been instructed to initiate legal proceedings against The Fourth Estate for defamation.
“I will not allow this blatant falsehood to go unchallenged. My legal team is taking all necessary steps to seek redress in court. The days of throwing baseless allegations at people for political or journalistic expediency are over,” he added.
The Fourth Estate Stands By Its Report
In response to Nana B’s threats, The Fourth Estate has maintained that its report is based on extensive investigations, including documentary evidence and testimonies from NSS insiders.
Speaking on the matter, Editor-in-Chief of The Fourth Estate, Manasseh Azure Awuni, reiterated the organization’s commitment to investigative journalism and expressed confidence in the integrity of their findings.
“We stand by our report. The investigation was thorough, and all our claims are backed by evidence. If Nana B believes he has been misrepresented, he is free to seek legal redress, and we are ready to defend our work in court,” Manasseh stated.
Public Reactions and Political Implications
The allegations have sparked heated debates, with some calling for a full-scale probe into the NSS payroll system, while others view Nana B’s legal threats as an attempt to silence investigative journalism.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has seized on the controversy, demanding a forensic audit of the NSS to uncover any potential wrongdoing. NDC Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, called on the government to act swiftly.
“This scandal is just the tip of the iceberg. The NSS has long been plagued by corruption, and we demand an independent audit to expose those responsible,” he said.
Meanwhile, political analysts have warned that the unfolding controversy could have ramifications for the NPP as it prepares for the 2024 elections.
Dr. Kobby Mensah, a political analyst, noted that “if not properly managed, this issue could dent the NPP’s image, especially among young voters who are beneficiaries of the NSS.”
What Happens Next?
With Nana B determined to clear his name through legal action and The Fourth Estate standing firm on its report, the stage is set for a potential courtroom battle.
Legal experts suggest that should the case proceed, it could set an important precedent for media freedom and accountability in Ghana.
For now, the controversy continues to dominate public discourse, with many eagerly awaiting the next development in this high-stakes showdown.
