Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has disclosed that eight individuals—among them three former officers of the National Service Authority (NSA)—have approached his office to negotiate plea bargains in connection with the ongoing financial scandal at the National Service Scheme (NSS).
Providing an update at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 28, Dr. Ayine revealed that the filing of formal charges has been temporarily delayed following the discovery of fresh evidence pointing to financial irregularities linked to an account at the Bank of Ghana associated with former NSA Director-General, Mr. Osei Assibey.
According to the Attorney-General, investigations revealed that GH¢189 million had been transferred into the account, but GH¢80 million of that sum remains unaccounted for. In addition, two cheques bearing Mr. Assibey’s name and account details were allegedly used to withdraw close to GH¢2 million.
“The National Service Authority scandal case was due to be filed last week. However, we stumbled upon evidence of malfeasance involving an account at the Bank of Ghana.
“Out of the GH¢189 million transferred, GH¢80 million cannot be traced. Two cheques linked to the former Director-General were used to withdraw just under GH¢2 million,” Dr. Ayine stated.
As a result of these findings, the Attorney-General’s Office is postponing the filing of charges as it awaits additional documentation from the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.
Dr. Ayine also confirmed that eight suspects, including three former NSA officials, have reached out to his office to negotiate plea deals.
He noted that some of the implicated individuals have expressed willingness to testify against their co-accused, while several vendors and service providers involved in the scheme are reportedly prepared to act as prosecution witnesses.
The Attorney-General reaffirmed his office’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the handling of the case.
“No individual found culpable will be shielded from accountability,” he assured.
