BY Grace Zigah
The Accra High Court has once again varied the bail conditions of former Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei Assibey Antwi, reducing the amount drastically to GH¢120 million with two sureties.
The latest ruling, delivered on Thursday, December 11, marks the third downward revision after weeks of intense legal back-and-forth between prosecutors and the defence.
From GH¢800m to GH¢120m— A Controversial Bail Journey
The former NSA boss was first slapped with a record-breaking GH¢800 million bail in October, following charges of stealing, money laundering, and causing massive financial loss to the state during his tenure.
That figure sparked widespread debate, with legal analysts, civil society groups, and members of the public describing it as one of the heaviest bail sums imposed on a public official in Ghana’s recent history.
His legal team immediately filed for variation, arguing that the amount was practically impossible to meet and amounted to an indirect remand order.
The court later reduced the amount to GH¢630 million, but the former Kumasi Mayor still could not meet the conditions, prompting yet another application for reconsideration.
Thursday’s ruling now pegs the bail at GH¢120 million, with two sureties each required to justify with landed property valued at GH¢80 million.
Why the Court Softened Its Stance
The latest variation came after defence lawyers argued that previous bail sums were excessive and unconstitutional, stressing that bail should not be used as a form of punishment.
They reminded the court that Assibey Antwi remains a suspect — not a convict — and is protected by the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence.
The court, after considering arguments presented, acknowledged that the earlier terms were difficult to satisfy and risked undermining the fundamental purpose of bail.
However, the court maintained all remaining restrictions, including:
Confiscation of his passport
Placement on a no-flight list
Mandatory reporting requirements
These measures, the judge said, adequately secure state interests and ensure the accused remains within the jurisdiction during trial.
Prosecution Stands Firm
State prosecutors strongly opposed the request for further variation, maintaining that the enormous financial implications of the alleged offences justified the earlier bail amount.
They pointed out that some of the charges, particularly stealing and money laundering, carry potential prison terms of up to 25 years, making flight risk a significant concern.
They further argued that the alleged financial losses under Assibey’s administration were substantial and that lenient bail conditions could hamper efforts to recover stolen state funds.
The NSA Scandal
The case stems from one of the biggest financial irregularities to hit the National Service Authority in recent years. Investigations revealed system breaches that allowed unauthorized or inflated personnel listings, illegal payroll schemes, and questionable financial transactions.
Assibey, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintains that he ran a clean administration and is prepared to defend his reputation in court.
The scandal, which shook the public sector earlier this year, has revived national conversations about corruption, institutional accountability, and the need for tighter oversight of state agencies.
What Happens Next
With the latest variation granted, Assibey’s legal team is expected to move swiftly to meet the revised bail requirements. If successful, the former NSA chief could finally regain his freedom after nearly two months in NIB custody.
However, if the prosecution appeals the decision, or if the defence still struggles to meet the property-justification demands, Assibey may continue to remain in custody until the next phase of his trial begins.
The trial continues to attract national attention, not just because of the staggering sums involved, but also because of the precedent it sets for how the courts treat accused public officials.
