Fresh revelations surrounding the National Service Authority (NSA) scandal have sent ripples across the country, as Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine announced at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, 28th July 2025, that new evidence has caused a delay in filing formal charges.
According to the Attorney General, the case, which was expected to move into court last week, has taken a significant turn following the discovery of financial irregularities linked to a specific account at the Bank of Ghana.
The said account reportedly received a suspicious transfer amounting to GHS 189,000,000. Out of this total, approximately GHS 80,000,000 remains untraceable, raising urgent concerns among state officials and watchdog agencies.
The gravity of the situation intensified when two checks linked to the former Director General of the National Service Authority, Mr. Osei Assibey Antwi, were discovered. These checks were used to withdraw close to GHS 2,000,000 from the contested account.
Dr. Ayine stressed that the gravity of the missing sums required his office to put the brakes on filing criminal charges until critical evidence is obtained.
“We have therefore halted the filing of charges so as to await the receipt of the evidence from the relevant state agencies, including the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.”
Dr. Dominic Ayine
He further stated that officials at the Bank of Ghana had already promised to submit the full bank statement, which is expected to help uncover the paper trail.
The documentation is anticipated to be a vital component of the evidence portfolio that the Attorney General’s office is putting together to prosecute those involved in the scandal.
As pressure mounts to hold those responsible accountable, the Attorney General revealed that his office is seeing some progress on another front: at least eight individuals under investigation have approached his office to negotiate plea bargains.
This group includes three former officers of the National Service Authority.
NSA Officials Offering Evidence Against Colleagues
In a potentially game-changing development, Dr. Dominic Ayine disclosed that some individuals involved in the scandal are now offering to testify against others.
He confirmed that several service providers and vendors who were previously entangled in the case are also coming forward voluntarily to provide detailed testimonies.
He emphasized the credibility of these potential witnesses, stating that their insights are not based on hearsay but are instead firsthand accounts from those who were directly involved. These contributions could significantly strengthen the state’s legal standing.
“We are in negotiations with them and their lawyers. As a precondition, I tell them, ‘You bring back the money that we have calculated you took, then you serve as a prosecution witness. ‘ That is the approach that we are we are using.”
Dr. Dominic Ayine
He asserted that once restitution is made, these individuals will then be allowed to testify for the prosecution.
The Attorney General used the occasion to send a subtle message to critics, particularly from the opposition, suggesting that “I’m sure the NPP will be very happy for me to insist that 100% be returned to the attorney general before any deal can be made.”
This approach reflects a broader legal strategy that combines asset recovery with criminal accountability.
By prioritizing the return of stolen funds through legally binding negotiations, the Attorney General’s office is aiming not just for punitive justice but also for real financial restitution to the state.
As the nation awaits the official charges and court proceedings, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the National Service Authority. Public sentiment continues to be fueled by demands for transparency, justice, and concrete steps toward recovering the missing millions.
The scandal is a stark reminder of the need for heightened oversight and financial accountability in public institutions.
With more suspects likely to be identified and more evidence expected to emerge in the coming days, this case could evolve into one of the most significant financial accountability sagas in recent Ghanaian history.
For now, all eyes are on the Attorney General’s office as it prepares what could be a landmark prosecution.
READ ALSO: Šefčovič Defends EU-US Trade Deal
