Former NEIP CEO Kofi Ofosu Nkansah Charged with Publication of False News, To Appear in Court February 12

Former NEIP CEO Kofi Ofosu Nkansah Charged with Publication of False News, To Appear in Court February 12

Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, has been formally charged with the publication of false news and is expected to appear before court on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The development was confirmed by his legal counsel, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who disclosed that officials of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) informed him of the charge after taking his client into custody.

Speaking on Asempa FM, Nana Awuah stated that Mr. Nkansah remains in detention and has not been granted bail ahead of his scheduled court appearance.

“I have just left the BNI. They informed me formally that they will arraign him before the court tomorrow by God’s grace. Because of that, they are not granting him bail,” he said.

Background to the Charge

The charge stems from allegations made by Mr. Nkansah during a radio discussion on Sompa 106.5 FM, where he claimed that an individual allegedly paid money to secure a government-funded scholarship to study abroad. The interview subsequently gained widespread circulation across both traditional and social media platforms, attracting significant public attention and debate.

Following the broadcast, President John Dramani Mahama directed the NIB to investigate the allegations, describing them as serious matters of public concern. The intelligence agency was tasked to verify the claims, identify any individuals involved, and submit its findings to the President.

As part of the investigations, NIB officers earlier searched Mr. Nkansah’s residence, an operation his lawyers claimed was conducted without a warrant. The legal team also maintained that Mr. Nkansah had initially honoured an invitation by the intelligence agency voluntarily and cooperated fully by providing information to support the investigations.

Political and Public Reactions

The case has generated strong political and public reactions. Supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and followers of Mr. Nkansah have launched a social media campaign under the hashtag #FreeKofiOfosuNkansahNow, arguing that the legal action is politically motivated. Others, however, have called for a thorough and impartial investigation to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s scholarship award system.

Broader Implications

The controversy has reignited public scrutiny over transparency and fairness in the administration of government-funded scholarships, particularly those managed by the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat. Stakeholders in the education and governance sectors have repeatedly called for reforms to ensure merit-based selection and equitable access to state-sponsored educational opportunities.

Mr. Nkansah’s expected court appearance on Thursday is anticipated to provide further clarity on the allegations and the state’s case against him, as investigations into the scholarship controversy continue.