The Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem Sai, has revealed that investigators probing financial misconduct within the National Service Scheme (NSS) have identified 22 individuals allegedly involved in siphoning over GH¢560 million through ghost name payments.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, Dr. Srem Sai confirmed that this finding is part of a broader investigation into financial irregularities within the NSS.
“National Service operations span various areas,” he explained. “They run projects like farms, where they acquire property and sell produce. But this report focuses solely on ghost name payments.”
According to him, the investigative team has completed its probe into the ghost names issue and submitted a detailed report just last week. “We’ve begun building a docket based on the findings. The report implicates 22 people in the ghost names scheme,” he stated.
The alleged fraud involves a staggering sum of over GH¢560 million. “That’s the amount under scrutiny from the activities linked to these 22 individuals,” Dr. Srem Sai said, describing it as a serious case of financial loss to the state.
Despite the magnitude of the scandal, Dr. Srem Sai indicated that not all accused persons may be prosecuted. He explained that some suspects are cooperating with authorities and are willing to refund the stolen money.
“A significant number of them have expressed readiness to return the money,” he noted. “Only a few are unwilling. Some are even offering to serve as prosecution witnesses.”
This cooperation, he added, could reduce the number of people who will ultimately be charged in court. “By the time we go to court, the number will likely drop below 22. Conversations are ongoing,” he disclosed.
Plea bargaining is also being considered for some of the accused. “After charges are filed, some may opt for plea deals, admitting guilt in exchange for lighter sentences and financial restitution,” Dr. Srem Sai said.
He noted that these negotiations allow the accused to justify why they should not face the full extent of the law. “They can give reasons and offer to return funds or testify against others in exchange for leniency.”
Dr. Srem Sai emphasized that this is just one aspect of a larger investigation into the NSS. Additional reports are expected on other schemes and financial operations managed by the Secretariat.
For now, he said, the focus remains on recovering the lost funds and ensuring accountability, “one conversation at a time.”
