The Deputy Attorney General has announced that investigators looking into fraudulent names in the National Service Scheme (NSS) have submitted a significant report identifying 22 individuals linked to the alleged theft of over GH¢560 million. Dr. Justice Srem Sai revealed this information during an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday. He noted that this report is just one part of a larger investigation into financial irregularities within the Scheme.
“National Service operates in different aspects,” he explained. “There are projects the secretariat undertakes, including farms where they acquire property, grow produce, and sell it. Additionally, there is the issue of payments made to ghost National Service personnel.” According to Dr. Srem Sai, the investigators have only completed their work regarding the ghost names so far. “The report was submitted last week, and we have begun compiling a case file based on it.”
That specific report, he confirmed, implicates 22 individuals. “When the investigators came, they identified 22 accused persons for the ghost names part.” The total amount of money involved is staggering. “We are talking about over GHS560 million. That’s what we are looking at from the 22 individuals that investigators believe were responsible for, if you like, alleged loot.”
But even as the prosecution team begins work on the docket, Dr Srem Sai revealed that not all those accused may end up in court. “You have to weigh the cost in terms of time, effort of bringing all these people to court, and the benefit you get of retrieving the money,” he said. Some of the suspects, he added, have already shown a willingness to cooperate.
“A lot of them — only a few are not willing — but a lot of them are willing to return the money.” Furthermore, some are offering to become prosecution witnesses. “Some of them have shown a desire to return the money and to serve as what, prosecution witnesses against the rest.” This means the number of people eventually charged will likely drop.
“Before we go to court, the number will not remain at 22; it will decrease, as we are still in discussions with these individuals.” He also confirmed that plea bargaining is a possibility for some of the accused. “After we file charges against them, they will have an opportunity to engage in what we call plea bargaining. They can come forward and say, ‘We are guilty, but instead of serving a lengthy prison sentence, can we negotiate for a lesser penalty in exchange for returning a certain amount of money?’”
Dr. Srem Sai explained that these discussions allow the accused to present reasons for leniency in return for financial restitution and testimony. “They provide us with justifications for why we should avoid a lengthy legal process with them.” He emphasised that the investigation into ghost names is just one aspect of a broader set of inquiries. Additional reports are anticipated regarding other schemes operated by the National Service Secretariat. For now, however, the focus remains on achieving recovery and ensuring justice, one conversation at a time, he stated.
By: Abubakar Ibrahim
