The Attorney General has confirmed that investigations into the National Service and SkyTrain scandals will conclude by mid-April to allow prosecutions to commence. Speaking at a press briefing earlier today, he disclosed that significant evidence is being uncovered in both cases.
National Service Scandal: Payments and Media Manipulation
The attorney general said in the National Service scandal, eight suspects have been interrogated, with many cooperating with investigators. “A good number of them have started singing,” he said, indicating their willingness to provide information.
The attorney general said evidence gathered so far reveals payments were made into the accounts of top executives of the National Service Scheme by vendors, private companies, and scheme staff. Additionally, investigators discovered that in November 2024, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Service Scheme, along with others, paid a Ghanaian Member of Parliament to suppress media coverage of the scandal and defend those involved.
“Now this is a developing story and more of it will come out very soon,” the Attorney General assured.
SkyTrain Scandal: Tracking Transactions and Missing CEO
Regarding the SkyTrain scandal, the Attorney General confirmed that a $2 million payment was made at the request of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) Chairman, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, and CEO Mr. Solomon Asamoah, who is currently evading authorities in Senegal.
“We tracked him first to South Africa, where he left on February 2nd. Now, he is in Senegal,” he disclosed. The attorney general noted that Mr. Asamoah said he will return to Ghana in three months, but emphasized that they were prepared to prosecute him in absentia if necessary.
He said investigations into the scandal have revealed that the payment did not receive court approval, and the necessary conditions for disbursement were not met. A review of GIIF board minutes confirmed that other board members were unaware of the transaction.
“we tracked the company to Mauritius. And a lawyer in Mauritius has confirmed to us that it is non-existent. But that’s also, I mean, a developing story,” the attorney general noted.
Investigation into Fraudulent Share Transactions
He said the funds were transferred to Africa Investment Holdings, with $100,000 allocated as GIIF’s contribution to equity, while $1.9 million was labeled as share premium.
“Share premium is not paid for nothing,” the Attorney General explained. He added that the share premium structure makes it easier for directors to access funds than through direct share accounts.
“I believe that accountants will confirm that with share premium, it’s easy for the directors to take the money than when the money is in the actual share account,” he said.
Ensuring Fair Prosecutions
The Attorney General emphasized his commitment to fairness in handling the National Service and SkyTrain scandals. “I’m not prejudging anything. If we come across evidence, that shows that they are innocent, I will not go to court. I told this country that I will not take anybody to court unless I am convinced that there is evidence to prove the guilt of the person beyond reasonable doubt.”
He commended the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for its efforts, highlighting the role of Deputy Director Raymond Archer, who led the investigative operations.
National Implications and Next Steps
Summarizing the gravity of the National Service and SkyTrain scandals, the Attorney General referenced President John Dramani Mahama’s remark that the country was “a crime scene.” He confirmed that the President receives constant updates on ongoing investigations and urged Ghanaians to brace themselves for a “rumble in the jungle in the coming weeks.”
