NIB Searches Residence of Former NEIP CEO Kofi Ofosu Nkansah Over Scholarship Sale Allegations

NIB Searches Residence of Former NEIP CEO Kofi Ofosu Nkansah Over Scholarship Sale Allegations

Lawyers for the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, have confirmed that operatives from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) conducted a search at his residence as part of ongoing investigations into allegations concerning the sale of government-funded overseas scholarships.

According to his legal team, the search was triggered by comments Mr. Nkansah made during a radio discussion in which he alleged that some individuals were allegedly paying money to secure state-sponsored scholarships abroad.

Lead counsel, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, disclosed in an interview with Citi News that officers who carried out the operation were unable to produce a warrant when questioned by the legal team.

Mr. Nkansah had earlier honoured an invitation by the NIB to assist with investigations following a directive by President John Dramani Mahama, who tasked the intelligence agency to probe the claims.

His lawyers have emphasised that their client was not arrested, despite circulating social media reports suggesting otherwise.

The legal team further explained that Mr. Nkansah voluntarily appeared before the NIB and cooperated fully with investigators by providing information relevant to the alleged irregularities involving the Scholarship Secretariat.

His engagement with the intelligence agency, they noted, was in response to a presidential directive issued after he made the allegations during a discussion on Sompa 106.5 FM.

The Office of the President, in a statement dated February 3, 2026, described the allegations as serious and of significant public interest.

The statement directed the NIB to verify the claims, identify any individuals who may be involved, and submit its findings to the President for further action.

Meanwhile, the development has generated strong reactions on social media, particularly among supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and followers of Mr. Nkansah. The online campaign, driven by banners and the hashtag #FreeKofiOfosuNkansahNow, has sparked widespread debate, with supporters describing the investigation as politically motivated, while others have called for a thorough and transparent probe into the allegations.

Background

The National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) was established by the Government of Ghana to support young entrepreneurs through funding, capacity building, and business incubation programmes aimed at reducing unemployment and promoting innovation. Mr. Nkansah served as Chief Executive Officer of the programme under the previous administration and was credited by supporters for expanding youth entrepreneurship initiatives.

The controversy surrounding the alleged sale of government scholarships has reignited longstanding public concerns about transparency, meritocracy, and accountability in the administration of state-sponsored scholarship schemes.

The Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, which oversees the awarding of scholarships funded by the government and international partners, has previously faced calls for reforms to ensure fairness and equitable access to opportunities.

The outcome of the NIB investigation is expected to determine whether there were breaches in the scholarship award processes and could potentially influence future policy reforms in the management of government educational sponsorship programmes.