NCA scandal: 4 former officials to face prosecution – Hamid

Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid has emphasized that investigations are currently still ongoing to enable possible prosecution of the individuals at the centre of an NCA money siphoning scandal.

According to government, it is awaiting the result of the investigations into the matter by the Bureau of National Investigation(BNI) to take a decision on the fate of the individuals involved in the scandal.

Three former officials of the John Mahama administration, Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie, former Board Chairman; one Alhaji Osman, former Deputy National Security Coordinator, and others allegedly withdrew $4 million from the accounts of the NCA and have failed to account for it.

They had contracted an Israeli company, NSO Group Technology Limited, to supply of eavesdropping equipment at the cost of $6 million, to enable National Security monitor conversations of persons suspected to be engaged in terror activities. A local agent, Infraloks Development Limited, was also charging $2 million to facilitate the transaction, bringing the total sum to $8 million.

But only $1 million was paid into the accounts of the Israeli company while the remaining $3 million was lodged into the accounts of one George Oppong, representing the local agents, Infraloks Development Limited. That money was allegedly shared among the officials.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Mustapha Hamid said in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM that the four are likely to face prosecution in the coming days.

“My understanding from the BNI is that they haven’t completed the investigations. They have gone beyond their statements and admission and the paying back of the monies that they have started. There are other things that ought to be established. But for now the concentration is on retrieving the money. That cannot be the end of the case, but as I said investigators will determine at what point they believe that they have gathered all the facts that will enable them make a convincing case either before a Judge or whatever judicial panel that may be formed.”