Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has clarified the government’s postponement in initiating legal proceedings related to the National Service Secretariat (NSS) scandal, attributing it to the discovery of crucial new financial information.
During the Government Accountability Series held at Jubilee House on Monday, 28th July, Dr Ayine revealed that the anticipated prosecution was deferred after investigators unearthed fresh indications of financial misconduct linked to a Bank of Ghana (BoG) account.
“The NSS scandal case was due to be filed last week as promised, when we stumbled upon evidence of malfeasance involving an account at the BoG, to which has been transferred an amount of GH¢189 million,” he said.
He stated that of the total amount, GH¢80 million could not be traced, sparking serious concerns regarding the legitimacy of the financial activities.
Dr Ayine also shared that two questionable cheques associated with the former Director-General, Mr Osei Assigbey, were found. These cheques were allegedly used to withdraw nearly GH¢2 million from the implicated account.
Given the gravity of these findings, the Attorney General said the government opted to delay the filing of charges until all pertinent records are obtained from the appropriate state institutions.
“We have therefore halted the filing of charges so as to await the receipt of the evidence from the relevant state agencies, including the BoG, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department,” he explained.
Dr Ayine mentioned that the Bank of Ghana is collaborating with the inquiry and has pledged to provide essential banking documentation shortly.
“As I speak, the BoG signaled to me that this morning, they are going to deliver the entire bank statement for my attention,” he said.
Additionally, the Attorney General disclosed that eight individuals implicated in the case have initiated efforts to resolve the matter outside the courtroom.
“I am, however, happy to announce that at least eight suspects in this investigation have approached my office for plea negotiation, including three former officers of the National Service Authority,” he added.
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