An Accra Circuit Court has granted a GH¢26,000.00 bail with two sureties each to a National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) officer and a teacher for allegedly defrauding a man of GH¢25,500.00 under the pretext of enlisting his family and friends into the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and other security services.
Kofi Arhin Ghansah, also known as Fiifi, 48, NADMO officer, was charged for defrauding by false pretense, while Samuel Ashong, alias Paa Nii, 46, teacher was charged for abetment of crime.
Both of them pleaded not guilty to the charges and are to make their next appearance on November 13.
Police Inspector Samuel Ahiabor told the court presided by Mrs Ruby Nash Aryeetey that Mr Samuel Paa Kwesi Bentil is the complainant in the case.
He said Bentil and Ghansah are personnel of NADMO whereas Ashong is a trained teacher.
Insp. Ahiabor said in 2014, Ashong informed Ghansah about the various enlistments in the security services, which he said he could help recruit people through one Mark Asafo Adjei, then a GNFS officer.
Prosecution said Ghansah convinced his colleague, Bentil that he had slots and that he should bring his family and friends to be enlisted, adding that he would take GH¢2,500.00 per head.
Insp. Ahiabor said Ghansah asked that those who could not pay instantly could make part payment and later pay the rest.
The court heard that Bentil brought a list of 26 people in addition to GH¢25,500.00 as well as their certificates and other documents to start the recruitment process.
He said Ghansah after collecting the money, failed to honour his promise and several efforts to retrieve the money proved futile, and the case was reported to the police.
Insp. Ahiabor said when Ghansah was arrested, he mentioned Ashong as an accomplice as he gave him GH¢12,000.00 which he also admitted taking.
The court heard that during an investigation, Ashong refunded GH¢11,000.00 and after investigations, the accused were arraigned.
Lawyer for the accused Yaw Dankwa, in praying for bail, stated that the case was put before another court, but was struck out because it lacked merit, but the police re-arrested his clients.
He told the court that the clients were not flighting risks and that they were gainfully employed and had people of substance to stand as sureties.
