AG Names MPs in Alleged Media Cover-Up of National Service Scandal

Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice has publicly named two Members of Parliament — Mustapha Ussif (Yagaba-Kubori) and Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A-Plus (Gomoa Central) — as having allegedly received money to suppress the National Service Authority (NSA) scandal in the media.

At a press conference held in Accra today, the A-G revealed that investigations into the National Service Authority corruption scandal — first uncovered by investigative journalism outlet The Fourth Estate — have concluded that MP Mustapha Ussif played a significant role in ensuring that the story did not gain public traction.

The A-G stated the investigative bodies are conclusive on the role MP Mustapha played to ensure that the NSA scandal by The Fourth Estate never saw the light of day.
He added that while investigations into the involvement of Kwame A-Plus are still ongoing, the evidence so far suggests complicity. A decision will be made soon on whether A-Plus will face charges or be used as a prosecution witness under a possible non-prosecution agreement (NPA).

A source reportedly offered to provide damning evidence in exchange for a non-prosecution agreement. The A-G confirmed that discussions are underway involving the source’s legal team. “We have asked that she and her lawyers bring a proposal for us to examine. We expect to conclude this within two weeks and by the first week of July, we should be ready to file charges,” he disclosed.

Addressing critics who accused him of media persecution, the A-G defended his decision to speak to the press, stating that accountability to the public is an integral part of democratic governance.

“Accountability means explaining one’s actions. In democracies like the United States, prosecutors routinely hold press briefings. We owe the people of Ghana explanations for our prosecutorial decisions,” he said.

He further clarified the legal concepts being considered, distinguishing between a plea bargain and a non-prosecution agreement. The latter, he explained, is a potential outcome of plea negotiations and may involve indemnity from prosecution under certain conditions — often in exchange for cooperation or restitution.

In a pointed response to reports that some of the accused plan to “frustrate the prosecution,” the A-G remained defiant.

“If you have had 8 million Ghana cedis from public funds flow into your account, and you say you will frustrate the prosecutor — how do you explain that? They should come with all the technicalities in the world. We are ready for them in court,” he said.

The minister emphasized the gravity of the alleged financial misdeeds, noting that the GH?548 million involved could have funded major infrastructure projects such as the proposed Accra-Kumasi expressway.

He concluded with a firm warning: “This is going to be a different ballgame altogether. We are taking the prosecution seriously — not just as a legal exercise, but as a commitment to the people of Ghana.”

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