Dr Justice Srem-Sai, the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, has revealed that private individuals can be prosecuted for causing financial loss.
The Deputy AG dismissed claims that only public officials can be prosecuted for actions taken while in office.
According to Dr Justice Srem-Sai, private individuals who cause financial loss to the state can also be prosecuted and held accountable for their actions.
He further cited provisions in the Criminal Offences Act to explain that both public and private individuals can be held liable for offences that result in financial loss.
The Deputy AG cited Section 179A(2) of the Criminal Offences Act, which deals with causing loss, damage or injury to property, noting that it states that anyone who intentionally causes economic or other loss to a public body or an agency of the Republic in the course of a business transaction commits a criminal offence.
Dr Justice Srem-Sai stressed that the two provisions make it clear that private individuals can also face prosecution when their actions contribute to the loss of public funds.
In a post on X, he wrote, “Apparently, there is a notion that only public officials could be prosecuted for causing a loss of public money; and that private persons could not be prosecuted for such losses. These two offences in the Criminal Act alone refute that notion:
Section 179A(2) – Causing Loss, Damage or Injury to Property 👇🏾
“A person who in the course of a transaction or business with a public body or an agency of the Republic intentionally causes damage or loss whether economic or otherwise to that body or agency commits a criminal offence.”
Section 179C(b)- Using Public Office for Profit 👇🏾
“A person commits a criminal offence who, not being a holder of a public office, acts or is found to have acted in collaboration with a person holding a public office for the latter to corruptly or dishonestly abuse the public office for private profit or benefit.”
Some netizens reacting to his comment stated, “You guys are pussyfooting ooooo aaah. If the energy drains, no matter what you do, the Ghanaian people will not forgive. By this time at least we should have seen 27 criminals in jail, with the loot retrieved. In fact, why can’t Ghana cut a deal with the USA to bring Ken Ofori Atta”.
Another X user added, “This goes to the he was the lawyer not an employee blablabla gang..”.
A netizen added, “Baffour and the SIC lady, that second one is dedicated to u”.
See the post below:
Apparently, there is a notion that only public officials could be prosecuted for causing a loss of public money; and that private persons could not be prosecuted for such losses. These two offences in the Criminal Act alone refute that notion: Section 179A(2) – Causing Loss, Damage or Injury to Property 👇🏾 “A person who in the course of a transaction or business with a public body or an agency of the Republic intentionally causes damage or loss whether economic or otherwise to that body or agency commits a criminal offence.” Section 179C(b)- Using Public Office for Profit 👇🏾 “A person commits a criminal offence who, not being a holder of a public office, acts or is found to have acted in collaboration with a person holding a public office for the latter to corruptly or dishonestly abuse the public office for private profit or benefit.”
— Justice Srem-Sai (@JusticeSremSai) October 13, 2026
@ghnow_ A solemn vigil night is being held in honour of the late Auntie Mabel, elder sister of Kumawood actress Vivian Jill Lawrence, as family and loved ones gather to pay their last respects. 🕊️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACK MAN ✪
@ghnow_ Actress and media personality Nana Ama McBrown arrives to mourn with Kumawood actress Vivian Jill Lawrence and her family at the vigil night of her late elder sister, Auntie Mabel. 🕊️ #GHNow #NanaAmaMcBrown #VivianJill #fyp ♬ original sound – Wasako Lyrics
