Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has revealed a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the National Service Scheme (NSS) scandal. According to Dr. Ayine, eight suspects—three of whom are former officials of the NSS—have approached his office to negotiate plea bargains and are willing to testify against other individuals involved in the alleged misconduct.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, Dr. Ayine described the move as a “major breakthrough,” noting that the suspects have expressed readiness to provide direct, firsthand testimony.
“These are not hearsay witnesses. They are individuals who were directly involved in the activities under investigation, and we’re currently in discussions with them and their legal representatives,” he stated.
A plea bargain, he explained, allows defendants to plead guilty to lesser charges or receive reduced sentences in exchange for cooperation with the prosecution. In this case, some vendors and service providers have also indicated their willingness to become prosecution witnesses.
New Financial Evidence Delays Charges
Dr. Ayine disclosed that the formal filing of charges, which was initially scheduled for last week, had been delayed after new evidence of financial impropriety emerged.
Investigators discovered that GH¢189 million had been deposited into a Bank of Ghana account related to the NSS, of which GH¢80 million is currently unaccounted for. Two cheques bearing the name and account number of former NSS Director-General Mr. Osei Assibey were reportedly used to withdraw nearly GH¢2 million from the account.
“As we speak, the Bank of Ghana has assured me they will deliver the full account statement for review today,” Dr. Ayine added.
Conditions for Plea Deals
The Attorney General made it clear that recovery of stolen funds is a non-negotiable condition for any plea agreement.
“Anyone seeking a deal must return the full amount we’ve calculated they took. They must also agree to serve as a witness for the prosecution. That is our approach,” he stressed.
Dr. Ayine concluded by affirming the government’s unwavering stance on accountability and recovery of public funds, emphasizing that the fight against corruption has bipartisan importance.
“I believe our friends in the NPP will fully support our insistence that every pesewa be recovered before any deal is finalized.”
