Accountability and Reform: Former NSA Boss Faces New Charges as Activists Push for Cannabis Amnesty

21st February•3 min read•4 sources

Ghana’s political and legal landscape is currently being shaped by two significant developments: a high-profile corruption case involving the National Service Authority (NSA) and a growing movement for restorative justice following shifts in national cannabis policy. In the capital, former NSA Executive Director Osei Assibey Antwi is facing intensified legal scrutiny over a massive 'ghost names' scandal that allegedly drained over half a billion Ghana Cedis from state coffers. Simultaneously, the Economic Fighters League (EFL) has launched a vigorous campaign for the judicial review of past cannabis convictions, arguing that the country's move toward a regulated market must be accompanied by justice for those harmed by previous prohibition laws.

The case against Osei Assibey Antwi took a sharp turn on February 17, 2026, when State Prosecutors informed the High Court in Accra that a fresh Auditor-General’s report necessitated an amendment to his charge sheet. Antwi is currently facing 14 counts related to the misappropriation of GH"500.86 million, a sum linked to the authorization of payments to more than 60,000 ghost national service personnel between August 2021 and February 2025. While the former NSA boss has pleaded not guilty, the court has set strict bail conditions at GH"623 million, reflecting the gravity of the alleged financial crimes. The proceedings are scheduled to continue on February 25 as the updated charges are finalized.

In a separate but equally consequential development, the Economic Fighters League is demanding immediate amnesty for individuals previously convicted of cannabis-related offenses. This call follows a pivotal policy shift by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to end the total prohibition of cannabis in favor of a regulated framework. The EFL argues that the previous legal regime disproportionately harmed the working class and that true reformation requires a 'Justice Trigger' to rehabilitate those impacted by outdated laws. They emphasize that the transition to a legal cannabis economy must prioritize the inclusion of traditional small-holder farmers rather than allowing the industry to fall under 'elite capture.'

These concurrent stories highlight a broader national dialogue regarding accountability and economic inclusion. On one hand, the state is making efforts to recover massive losses in the public sector through the prosecution of high-ranking officials. On the other, social activists are pressuring the government to ensure that legislative changes—particularly those regarding the cannabis trade—correct historical injustices and provide equitable opportunities for marginalized communities. As both the NSA trial and the cannabis policy rollout progress, they will serve as key indicators of the government’s commitment to transparency and social equity in Ghana's evolving political climate.

This story touches markets covered on Anansi Intelligence ↗.

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Accountability and Reform: Former NSA Boss Faces New Charges as Activists Push for Cannabis Amnesty

More from politics

Global Governance in Flux: From Military Accountability to Groundbreaking Shifts in Political Representation

Keta MP Demands Urgent Flood Relief While National Leaders Drive Infrastructure, Agricultural, and Social Reforms

President Mahama Champions National Resilience and Welfare Reforms for Senior Citizens

Ghanaian Leaders and Legal Experts Propose Sweeping Institutional Reforms to Strengthen Democracy and Public Accountability