Eight suspects involved in the National Service Scandal have approached the Attorney General’s office seeking plea negotiations, including three former National Service officers.
Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine revealed this during a press briefing at the Government Accountability Series in Accra.
He said some of the suspects have offered to testify against others involved in the matter, including private vendors.
The ongoing investigation focuses on a GH₵189 million transfer made to an account at the Bank of Ghana, from which GH₵80 million remains unaccounted for.
Dr. Ayine disclosed that two cheques bearing the name of the former National Service Secretariat Director-General, Mr. Osei Assibey, were used to withdraw close to GH₵2 million from the account.
The Attorney General said his office has delayed filing formal charges because it is waiting for documents from the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance to support the case.
“Some individuals are cooperating with our office. Others have expressed readiness to admit wrongdoing. But any plea agreement will only be considered if the amounts involved are refunded,” he stated.
Regarding the Kwabena Adu-Boahene trial, Dr Ayine confirmed that the first prosecution witness had testified, but proceedings stalled after the third accused withdrew legal representation unexpectedly.
“Testimony is expected to resume before the legal vacation begins on July 31,” he announced.
Regarding the SkyTrain case, the Minister noted that case management conferences concluded, though medical excuses and lawyer changes delayed witness testimony.
“But for multiple medical excuses and recent counsel changes, we would have called two witnesses by now,” Dr Ayine stated, confirming the trial will commence before July 31.
Regarding the Operation Recover all Loot (ORAL) cases, Dr Ayine stated that the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) is preparing dockets for the Attorney General’s review.
The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has completed investigations into Wontumi and former Buffer Stock CEO, Abdul Wahab Hanan, with results to be announced soon.
“Separately, police CID submitted a docket on the Akonta Mining case to the AG’s office, which has prepared charges. Suspects will be formally charged and arraigned in the coming days,” he added.
Dr Ayine reaffirmed that his policy of negotiating plea deals to recover state assets aligns with the government’s ORAL agenda.
He cited the Plea-Bargaining Act and Courts Act Section 35 as legal foundations, acknowledging some agreements could result in non-custodial sentences with restitution.
“I want to jail persons who have looted state resources,” he stated, “but I am pragmatic enough to prioritize asset recovery where conviction isn’t possible.” He confirmed requiring suspects to return ill-gotten gains before accepting plea terms.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
