By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has revealed that eight suspects involved in the National Service Scheme (NSS) scandal have approached his office to negotiate plea bargains.
These individuals, including three former officials of the National Service Authority (NSA), have expressed willingness to cooperate with investigators and testify against their colleagues.
“I am happy to announce that eight suspects in this investigation have approached my office for plea negotiation, including three former officers of the National Service Authority,” he revealed. “Some officials have offered to testify against their colleagues, and some vendors and service providers are willing to come clean and testify as prosecution witnesses.”
He made this known during the Government Accountability Series on July 28, 2025.
The NSS scandal involves allegations of financial malfeasance and misappropriation of funds amounting to over GH¢548 million. According to Dr Ayine, investigations have uncovered a sprawling criminal enterprise that exploited systemic weaknesses and falsified records for personal gain. The suspects allegedly created ghost names within the NSA payroll system, which were used to siphon state funds.
Dr Ayine stated that he has set conditions for the plea bargains, requiring the suspects to refund the full amounts they are accused of stealing. The suspects are also expected to serve as prosecution witnesses and provide testimony against other individuals involved in the scandal.
He added that the Attorney General’s office has been working diligently to investigate the scandal and that charges are expected to be filed soon. Dr Ayine emphasized that no individual found culpable will be shielded from accountability and that the government remains committed to transparency and justice in handling the case.
