The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has been criticized heavily for arresting and detaining the immediate past Chief Executive Officer (CEO) National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah.
It follows the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communication Team member’s publication of a claim during a radio programme and subsequent invitation to the NIB offices.
Nkansah during the radio programme, he alleged that he knows someone that paid money to secure a government-funded scholarship to study abroad.
His claim was not taken lightly by President John Dramani Mahama who tasked the NIB to investigate the matter.
In a statement dated February 3, 2026, signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, the Presidency noted that the allegation has generated significant public interest after the Twi-language discussion circulated widely across media platforms.
Mr Nkansah was subsequently invited by the NIB to assist with investigations following a search at his home on Tuesday.
After marathon interrogations, he has formally been charged with publication of false news was granted a GHc500, 000 bail with two sureties to be justified. He is expected to appear before court on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Following news of detention, some social commentators have taken to express misgiving about the development. They are at a loss why a person who reported to the Bureau could be detained.
Investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, question the basis for the arrest and detention. He asked “What crime is Kofi Ofosu Nkansah being investigated for? Whistleblowing?”
Private legal practitioner and convener of the Fix The Country movement, Oliver Barker-Vormorwor has joined the hashtag #FreeKofiNkansah ….According to him “speech is not a crime”, he posted.
In subsequent he said “The President go and investigate scholarship scheme corruption. Then your first act is to go and do unnecessary things to embarrass the President? NIB paa…Look sharp”.
His lawyer, Nana Agyei Awuah, said he did not understand why a person that has been charged is still being detained. In his view, having charged his client, he was expected to be released.
“He has been charged but is still in NIB custody, although he was supposed to be granted bail. How do you detain some ne who has been charged with publication of false news”, asked. In a phone interview on Joy FM, the Manyhia South Member of Parliament (MP) they are looking at exploring ways to get the NIB to act appropriately.
Even though he chose not to elaborate what their plans are, he did not rule out going to court. The Minority has also issued a statement demanding the release of Kofi Nkansah immediately.
By Gifty Boateng