The Serious Fraud Office on Friday assured the public that it is an independent and credible statutory public service that is capable of conducting a fair investigation into allegations of impropriety at the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). The SFO was reacting to statements by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which claimed that the SFO could not do any effective investigations since it is an arm of government.

A statement signed by Mr. A. Tetteh Mensah, Assistant Director of Investigation, said the impression created by the NPP is not correct. It explained that the SFO was established by an Act of Parliament in 1993 in accordance with article 190 sub-section (1) (d), as part of the Public Services of Ghana.

The statement said the NPP's objection to the SFO's investigations and their call for a Presidential Commission of Inquiry by parliament, is not valid. "It is regrettable that the NPP members who addressed the news briefing, lost sight of the fact that it is only the Attorney-General who is empowered by law, to conduct criminal prosecution before the law courts in Ghana."

The SFO said whether those cases are investigated by them, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Police or a Presidential

Commission as advocated by the NPP, it is the Attorney-General, who has the final say. It said the nature of the allegations made against SSNIT is of national interest, which need to be investigated, and may possibly lead to prosecution. "This process will be long and complicated and therefore we are not in the mood to play to the gallery as is being suggested by the NPP."

The statement said the SFO would endeavour to fulfil its statutory mandate by "dispassionately, soberly, firmly and fairly investigating the allegations placed before it without fear or favour of any interests."

It therefore appealed to members of the general public with information on the SSNIT investigation to provide them to enable the office to complete its work to the satisfaction of all. There have been newspaper reports recently alleging impropriety, misapplication and stealing of SSNIT funds.