AG Rejects Partial Refund in NSS Scandal
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has revealed that he rejected a proposal from one of the accused persons in the National Service Scheme (NSS) ghost names scandal to refund part of the money allegedly stolen.
The case involves an estimated loss of about GH¢38 million to the state. According to Dr Ayine, the accused person offered to return GH¢22 million, but wanted to avoid full criminal prosecution. The Attorney-General said he could not accept such an offer.
Dr Ayine explained that returning stolen money alone is not enough in cases involving public funds. He stressed that people accused of serious financial crimes must still face the law, even if they are willing to pay back part or all of the money.
He made these comments while answering questions at the Government Accountability Series press briefing held in Accra on Monday, December 22, 2025.
“Yes, offers keep coming,” Dr Ayine said. “But sometimes the offers are made on the condition that the person brings back the money and walks free. I say no to that.”
The Attorney-General said Ghana’s justice system does allow plea bargaining, but such arrangements must not weaken the criminal justice process. He noted that in cases involving large sums of public money, the state must ensure justice is properly served.
Dr Ayine explained that his role is to prosecute cases on behalf of the state, not to defend accused persons. “I am the Attorney-General. I am the prosecutor. I am not defence counsel,” he said.
According to him, his duty is to present evidence before the court and prove beyond reasonable doubt that the alleged crimes were committed. He said accepting money in exchange for dropping charges would be unfair to the public and could encourage corruption.
Dr Ayine also clarified how plea bargaining works under Ghanaian law. He said accused persons are allowed to plead guilty, return stolen funds, or ask for reduced charges. However, such requests must come from the accused persons and their lawyers, not from the prosecution.
“If they want to shorten the process through plea bargaining, it is their choice,” he said. “I will not advise them, and I will not lead that process.”
The NSS ghost names scandal has attracted public attention, with many Ghanaians calling for strict punishment for those found guilty. Dr Ayine assured the public that his office remains committed to accountability, transparency, and protecting state resources.
