Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has revealed that eight individuals implicated in the National Service Scheme (NSS) ghost names scandal have initiated negotiations for plea bargains with his office.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 28, Dr. Ayine described the development as a significant milestone in the ongoing investigations.
He said the suspects, including three former officials of the National Service Authority (NSA), have expressed a willingness—through their legal representatives—to cooperate with the state.
As part of the plea bargain terms, the suspects are required to fully refund all misappropriated funds and agree to serve as prosecution witnesses against other individuals involved in the scandal.
“I am however happy to announce that at least eight suspects in this investigation have approached my office for plea negotiations, including three former officers of the National Service Authority,” Dr. Ayine stated.
“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. When you do, you build your docket well, this is the result that you get. Eight, I mean, people are willing to testify.”
He emphasized that the witnesses are not offering hearsay, but rather direct evidence as key participants in the misconduct.
Dr. Ayine underscored that this cooperative stance is the result of careful and thorough investigation, allowing prosecutors to build a strong case as the scandal continues to unfold.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
