Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has revealed that eight individuals, including three former officials of the National Service Authority (NSA), are seeking plea bargains over their alleged roles in a payroll fraud scheme that cost the state more than GH¢548 million.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 28, Dr. Ayine said the filing of formal charges had been delayed following new evidence of financial irregularities involving an account at the Bank of Ghana linked to former NSA Director-General, Mr. Osei Assibey.
He disclosed that GH¢189 million had been transferred into the said account, but GH¢80 million of that amount could not be traced.
“Two cheques linked to the former Director-General’s name and account details were allegedly used to withdraw just under GH¢2 million,” Dr. Ayine said.
He explained that the Attorney-General’s office is withholding the filing of charges until it receives further documentation from the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.
According to Dr. Ayine, some of the accused persons have expressed their willingness to assist in the prosecution.
“Eight suspects, including three former NSA officials, have approached us to negotiate plea bargains. Some are ready to testify against their co-accused, while others—particularly vendors and service providers—have agreed to serve as prosecution witnesses,” he added.
He assured the public that justice will be served.
“No individual found culpable will be shielded from accountability,” he emphasized.
Source: AdomOnline
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