Former Chief Executive of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei-Assibey Antwi, has pleaded not guilty to multiple financial crime charges levelled against him by the State.
Mr. Osei-Assibey is facing fourteen counts, including causing financial loss to the state, stealing and money laundering, in connection with alleged irregular payments totaling more than GH¢1.5 billion during his tenure.
Appearing before the High Court in Accra on Thursday, October 30, Justice Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie granted him bail to the tune of GH¢800 million.
As part of his bail conditions, six sureties are required, each backed by immovable property equivalent in value to the bail amount. The court also ordered the former NSA boss to deposit his travel documents with the court registry, with his name added to a stop-list at Ghana Immigration Service.
Additionally, Mr. Osei-Assibey is expected to report to the Police Headquarters twice monthly on the first and third Wednesday until the case is concluded.
According to prosecutors, Mr. Osei-Assibey, as the principal spending authority and signatory to the NSA accounts, approved payments to ghost workers, resulting in significant financial losses. The charges are linked to alleged unlawful transactions ranging from GH¢516,000 to GH¢55 million.
His legal counsel, Osei Owusu, maintained his client’s innocence, arguing that Mr. Osei-Assibey has faced unwarranted public criticism and has cooperated with investigators. Counsel stressed that he is not a flight risk and has served the nation honourably over the years.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai did not oppose bail but insisted that the severity of the alleged offence and the size of the public funds involved must guide the court in assessing the matter.
He also cited actions by the accused which, in the State’s view, necessitated strong bail terms to ensure his availability for trial.
The judge has directed the prosecution to file all disclosures ahead of the next hearing scheduled for December 2, 2025.
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