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Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has revealed that eight suspects three of whom are former officials of the National Service Authority (NSA) have approached his office to negotiate plea bargains in relation to the ongoing financial scandal at the National Service Scheme (NSS).
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 28, Dr. Ayine explained that the filing of formal charges in the case has been temporarily delayed following the emergence of new evidence linked to financial mismanagement.
He disclosed that investigations uncovered suspicious transactions involving an account at the Bank of Ghana reportedly associated with the former NSA Director-General, Mr. Osei Assibey. A total of GH¢189 million was transferred into the account, but GH¢80 million of that amount remains unaccounted for.
“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.
The discovery has prompted the Attorney-General’s Office to delay the filing of charges as they await additional documentation from the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.
Dr. Ayine confirmed that the eight suspects seeking plea deals have shown a willingness to cooperate with investigators. Some of the individuals have offered to testify against other accused persons, while a number of vendors and service providers allegedly involved in the scandal are also prepared to serve as prosecution witnesses.
He assured the public that the Attorney-General’s Office remains committed to transparency and accountability in pursuing justice in the matter.
The National Service scandal, which involves the alleged misappropriation of millions of cedis, has drawn national attention and raised concerns about oversight and governance within public institutions.
