The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, addressed the media in Accra, providing an update on the progress of investigations into several high-profile corruption cases, including the National Service Scheme (NSS) scandal and the Skytrain project. Dr. Ayine announced that investigations into both cases have concluded and prosecutions are expected to commence by mid-April. In the NSS case, eight suspects have been questioned, with a majority cooperating with the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). While Dr. Ayine refrained from divulging specific details regarding other ongoing investigations, he emphasized the significant progress being made in probing allegations of misappropriation of state funds outlined in the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) report.
The ORAL report, submitted to the Attorney General’s office on February 10, 2025, detailed extensive evidence of financial impropriety within the NSS. The report revealed payments made into the accounts of senior NSS executives by vendors and staff members, implicating them in a scheme of illicit financial transactions. Furthermore, the report uncovered evidence suggesting an attempt to suppress media coverage of the scandal. Specifically, it alleges that in November 2024, the CEO of the NSS and other individuals paid a Ghanaian Member of Parliament to stifle the story and publicly defend them. This revelation adds a layer of political intrigue to the already complex corruption case.
Turning to the Skytrain project, Dr. Ayine confirmed a payment of $2 million made at the behest of Professor Ameyaw Ekumfi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), and Mr. Solomon Asamoah, the CEO of GIIF, who is currently believed to be in Senegal. The Attorney General’s investigation revealed that Mr. Asamoah initially fled to South Africa on February 2, 2025, before relocating to Senegal. Crucially, the $2 million transaction lacked the necessary board approval and did not fulfill the preconditions for disbursement, raising serious concerns about the legality and propriety of the payment. This irregularity was corroborated by other board members and documented in the minutes of board meetings.
Dr. Ayine’s briefing highlighted the government’s commitment to combating corruption and holding those responsible for the misuse of public funds accountable. He indicated that the investigations are far-reaching and encompass multiple dossiers containing information that is likely to shock the nation. The Attorney General’s use of evocative language, comparing the unfolding investigations to a “Rumble in the jungle,” suggests that the upcoming revelations will be significant and potentially explosive. This statement serves to heighten public anticipation and underscores the gravity of the allegations being investigated.
The investigations into the NSS scandal and the Skytrain project represent a crucial step in addressing corruption within Ghana. The Attorney General’s commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in the detailed briefing provided to the media. The evidence gathered thus far paints a picture of systemic corruption involving high-ranking officials, vendors, and even a member of parliament. The upcoming prosecutions will be a test of Ghana’s judicial system and its ability to hold powerful individuals accountable for their actions. The outcome of these cases will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for the country’s political landscape and its efforts to combat corruption.
The timing of the prosecutions, scheduled for mid-April, suggests a concerted effort to bring these cases to a swift resolution. The public will be closely watching the proceedings, eager to see justice served. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability will be judged by the thoroughness of the prosecutions and the severity of the penalties imposed on those found guilty. The “Rumble in the jungle” promised by the Attorney General suggests that more revelations are yet to come, and the nation awaits with bated breath to see how these investigations will ultimately unfold. The outcome of these cases will serve as a benchmark for future anti-corruption efforts and will send a powerful message about the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
