Accra: The second prosecution witness in the trial involving Kwabena Adu Boahen and three others is expected to take the stand before the legal vacation commences on July 31, 2025. Dr. Dominic Ayine, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, disclosed this during the Government’s Accountability Series held in Accra. He also noted that the testimony of the first witness had been completed.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Ayine mentioned that proceedings were briefly halted due to the sudden withdrawal of legal representation by the lawyer of the third accused. This incident delayed the discharge of the first witness, which postponed the commencement of the second witness’s testimony.
Additionally, Dr. Ayine provided updates on other significant legal cases, including the Skytrain trial and the National Service Scheme (NSS) scandal. The Skytrain trial has been delayed due to changes in legal representation and medical excuses submitted by Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi and Mr. Solomon Asamoah’s lawyer. The Attorney General expressed optimism that the trial would start before the legal break, as the case management conference had been concluded.
Regarding the NSS case, Dr. Ayine revealed that new evidence had surfaced, which has delayed the filing of charges. An investigation uncovered that GHS189 million was transferred to a Bank of Ghana account, with GHS80 million still unaccounted for. Allegedly, two cheques in the name of Mr. Osei Assibey, former Director-General of the National Service Scheme, were used to withdraw nearly GHS2 million.
Dr. Ayine stated that the filing of charges has been paused pending further evidence from state agencies such as the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant General. He also mentioned that eight suspects, including three former NSA officers, had approached his office for plea negotiations. Some officials expressed their willingness to testify against their colleagues, with several vendors and service providers also ready to cooperate as prosecution witnesses.
The Attorney General reiterated his dedication to prosecuting individuals who misappropriate public funds. However, he emphasized the importance of asset recovery, stating, “I am pragmatic enough to know that it is not in every instance that that is possible. In those circumstances, I will opt for non-conviction-based asset recovery.”