“Not Just the Big Names – Many Ex-Appointees Under Investigation, Says Srem Sai”

Dr. Justice Srem Sai Defends Anti-Corruption Drive, Says Many Former Officials Cooperating Quietly

Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem Sai, has dismissed growing public perception that the government’s anti-corruption campaign is selectively targeting only a few high-profile individuals. According to him, a significant number of former ministers and government appointees are quietly cooperating with investigations without seeking media attention.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, June 11, Dr. Srem Sai addressed concerns of political bias in the government’s corruption probes. He argued that the media and public tend to focus on a handful of well-known cases, creating a misleading narrative that the fight against corruption is selective.

“I appreciate the demeanour of a lot of the government appointees,” he said. “Once in a while, you hear that someone has been picked up or invited, and then there’s a lot of noise. But I can tell you, a large number of the persons who have been arrested, are now on bail, or under investigation, are quiet. They will not make any noise about it.”

Many Former Officials Cooperating with Investigations
Dr. Srem Sai emphasized that many former officeholders are submitting to due process without media fanfare, which the public often overlooks. These individuals, he said, believe in the integrity of the legal process and prefer to comply respectfully with law enforcement agencies like EOCO and the NIB.

“Some of them believe the process must be followed,” he said. “It’s only a few who go to the media, and then you see people massing up to go to EOCO. But there are a lot who go quietly, do what is required, and move on without fanfare.”

The Deputy Attorney General’s comments come amid criticisms that the government’s anti-corruption agenda is politically motivated, especially when opposition figures are involved. He stressed, however, that not all investigations result in prosecution, and mere association with a controversial project or ministry does not prove guilt.

Example: Joe Ghartey and the SkyTrain Project
To illustrate his point, Dr. Srem Sai cited the SkyTrain case, where former Attorney General and Minister for Railways, Joe Ghartey, was invited for questioning but was not listed on the final charge sheet.

“If you take the SkyTrain case, for instance, Joe Ghartey was invited. He explained his side of the story. When you look at the charge sheet for the SkyTrain case, his name is not on it.”

He noted that holding a ministerial position at the time of a questionable deal or project does not automatically imply criminal liability.

“There are things that can happen in a ministry that may not be your doing. So the fact that you are ‘Minister One’ doesn’t make you guilty whenever there is a crime.”

Investigations Are Based on Evidence, Not Speculation
Dr. Srem Sai emphasized the importance of evidence-based accountability. He pointed out that being invited by an investigative body does not equate to guilt or an imminent court case.

“The fact that you’ve been invited for questioning doesn’t mean that you are guilty. The process doesn’t automatically or immediately take you to court. You go to court only when the evidence shows that there’s a crime.”

NAPO Also Under Investigation, But Kept It Private
Host Evans Mensah referenced a recent example involving Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), who publicly revealed that he is under investigation by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). According to Dr. Srem Sai, several projects carried out under NAPO’s leadership in the Education and Energy Ministries are being reviewed.

“We have projects that were undertaken during his time. So he would definitely be answering questions in respect of that. The mathematical sets issue—those would fall under his ministry.”

Government’s Anti-Corruption Efforts Must Be Judged Fairly
In conclusion, Dr. Srem Sai urged the public to avoid drawing conclusions based on headlines or high-profile arrests. He reiterated that no one will be prosecuted without evidence.

“You will not be prosecuted unless there is evidence that you were complicit in some of the things you undertook.”

His remarks come as the government continues to defend its integrity in the face of public scrutiny and political accusations over the fairness of its anti-corruption efforts.