Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem Sai has confirmed that former Energy and Education Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, is currently under investigation by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). However, he was quick to emphasize that the investigation does not imply guilt on the part of the former minister.
Speaking on PM Express on JoyNews, Dr Srem Sai stated, “He said he’s been going to the NIB for a while now. Nobody knew until he revealed it publicly.”
The ongoing probe, he explained, involves projects undertaken during NAPO’s tenure as Minister of Education and later as Minister of Energy under the Akufo-Addo administration.
“He served in both ministries, so naturally, questions are being asked about several projects that took place under his leadership,” he said.
One notable subject of the investigation is the controversial mathematical sets procurement carried out during NAPO’s time at the Education Ministry. Despite the scrutiny, Dr Srem Sai reiterated that being questioned does not equal wrongdoing.
“You will not be prosecuted unless there’s solid evidence showing you were complicit,” he stressed. “Being a minister doesn’t automatically make you criminally responsible for all decisions taken under your watch.”
He cited the example of former Attorney General and later Railway Minister, Joe Ghartey, who was questioned during the Sky Train investigation but was never charged after explaining his role.
“There are things that happen within a ministry that may not be the minister’s personal doing,” Dr Srem Sai noted. “Being invited for questioning is simply part of the due process; it’s not a declaration of guilt.”
He also commended the responsible attitude of many public officials under investigation, praising them for cooperating quietly with the law without media drama.
“I appreciate the conduct of a lot of government appointees,” he said. “Many of those arrested or questioned are quietly complying with the process, without drawing unnecessary attention.”
Dr Srem Sai acknowledged that some individuals still choose to go public or cause public scenes, but he stressed that the majority respect the legal process.
“In the end, prosecution only happens when the evidence shows that a crime was committed,” he concluded.
