Bentil Cautions AG: “Seek Justice, Not Condemnation” in NSA Scandal

ACCRA, GHANA — Vice President of policy think tank IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has weighed in on the unfolding GH¢548 million National Service Authority (NSA) payroll scandal, warning Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine against presenting preliminary findings as conclusive.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Bentil emphasized the need to balance transparency with judicial integrity, especially as high-ranking former officials are named in the scandal.

“The AG Must Not Present Findings as Final”

Bentil wrote:

“The AG has a duty to inform the public what he does on their behalf! But he must not give the impression that his findings are final.”

This statement is widely interpreted as a caution against prejudicial narratives that might influence public perception or judicial outcomes before a court of law has ruled.

Justice Over Condemnation

Underscoring the Attorney General’s legal and ethical responsibilities, Bentil noted:

“He is to seek justice, not condemn. Indeed, he has to say if he finds evidence favourable to the accused.”

His comments reinforce the presumption of innocence — a core tenet of Ghana’s constitutional law — and advocate for a more measured, procedural approach to high-profile investigations.

“Missing Containers Can Be Found”

In a pointed yet cryptic message, Bentil added:

“Remember, missing containers can be found!”

This likely alludes to past allegations of corruption or mismanagement that were eventually clarified or overturned, urging caution before labeling suspects as guilty.

The Context: GH¢548m NSA Payroll Scandal

The Attorney General has named 12 former officials in connection with alleged payroll fraud at the NSA, including:

• Mustapha Ussif (Former Youth and Sports Minister)

• Osei Assibey Antwi (Former NSA Executive Director)

• Gifty Oware-Mensah (Former Deputy Executive Director)

The AG’s announcement has sparked nationwide discourse on corruption, institutional oversight, and the effectiveness of Ghana’s public sector payroll system.

Transparency vs. Due Process

While some voices, including IMANI President Franklin Cudjoe, have applauded the AG’s transparency, Bentil’s remarks bring nuance to the debate, highlighting the potential risks of publicizing names without legal verdicts.

The controversy also raises larger questions:

• How should public officials balance public accountability with legal fairness?

• Can the pursuit of justice be compromised by premature disclosure?

What’s Next?

As investigations unfold and political tensions rise, Ghanaians now look to the judiciary and Attorney General’s office to ensure that justice is not only pursued — but done fairly, responsibly, and lawfully.