President of policy think tank IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has lauded the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, for what he termed a courageous and enlightening stance in addressing the unfolding National Service Authority (NSA) scandal.

Mr Cudjoe’s comments come in response to criticisms levelled by the New Patriotic Party’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, who accused the AG of prematurely casting former NSA officials in a negative light.

However, in an interview with Channel One TV on Saturday, June 15, Mr Cudjoe rejected that view, saying the AG’s public disclosure of the matter was not only appropriate but essential for public accountability.

“I am totally opposed to your viewpoint that these persons are being persecuted,” he stated.

“I think rather we should doff our hats to the AG and his department, who are doing what I call public interest education. You see, if you don’t educate the public and carry them along, sometimes even justice could be procured.”

His remarks followed a press conference held by the Attorney General on 13 June, during which details of alleged payroll fraud to the tune of GH¢548 million were made public.

The AG’s statement included the names of 12 former NSA officials, among them notable individuals such as Mustapha Ussif, Osei Assibey Antwi, and Gifty Oware-Mensah.

Cudjoe maintained that the Ghanaian public deserves to be kept informed, particularly when the allegations pertain to substantial financial impropriety involving public resources.

He argued that public communication from the Attorney General’s office should not be misconstrued as a form of trial by media but rather viewed as a vital element of democratic governance.

“Transparency in such matters is critical. It empowers citizens and fosters trust in the justice system,” he added.