National Service scandal :Eight suspects seek plea bargains-AG

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has revealed that eight individuals, including three former officials of the National Service Authority (NSA), have approached his office to negotiate plea bargains amid an expanding financial scandal at the National Service Scheme (NSS).

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 28, Dr. Ayine disclosed that the filing of charges in the case has been put on hold after investigators uncovered fresh evidence pointing to serious financial irregularities. At the center of the revelations is a Bank of Ghana account allegedly linked to former NSA Director-General, Mr. Osei Assibey.

According to the Attorney-General, a total of GH¢189 million was transferred into the account, but investigators have been unable to trace GH¢80 million of that amount. Additionally, two cheques associated with Mr. Assibey’s account were allegedly used to withdraw nearly GH¢2 million.

In light of the new findings, the Attorney-General’s Office is delaying the formal filing of charges while awaiting further records from the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.

Dr. Ayine confirmed that several suspects have shown willingness to cooperate with prosecutors. Some are reportedly prepared to testify against others, while service providers and vendors implicated in the scandal have also indicated readiness to serve as witnesses.

“We are committed to full transparency and accountability,” Dr. Ayine assured. “No one involved will be protected from justice.”

The case, which has drawn public attention due to the scale of the alleged embezzlement, continues to unfold as authorities gather additional evidence.