Manager of the National Rental Assistance Scheme (NRAS), Richard Acheampong, has indicated that the Attorney-General will soon prosecute 200 individuals who fraudulently benefitted from the Scheme. He said that the individuals faked bank records and standing orders in order to benefit from the scheme.
Falsifying documents with the aim of circumventing the requirements of the law is a crime under Section 159 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
According to the clause, “whoever forges any document whatsoever, with intent to defraud or injure any person, or with intent to evade the requirements of the law, or with intent to commit or facilitate the commission of any crime, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.”
In an interview with the GNA, Mr. Acheampong stated that the 200 people will be subjected to the letter and spirit of the law.
He said a large number of applications have been denied due to fraud. On several occasions, he said bank statements received from clients had been altered, and individuals also submitted false standing orders.
“But through the verification process, any document that has been tampered with will be detected.” Mr. Acheampong said they are putting together a list of those who have applied with fake documents, and the Ministry of Works and Housing will be consulted on how to proceed with these applications. Mr. Acheampong cautioned the public against fabricating paperwork in order to qualify for the scheme.
He asked anyone interested in taking advantage of the scheme to submit the relevant documents, including evidence of income, employment, bank statement, and a Ghana Card. Apart from the issue of fraud, which automatically disqualifies one from benefiting from the scheme, Mr. Acheampong stated that applicants’ salaries do not match the type of house they desire to rent.
The National Rent Assistance Scheme’s aim is to provide rent loans to both formal and informal workers that have a verifiable and regular income.
The applicant must be a Ghanaian, have a valid Ghana Card, be an adult of 18 years or older, have verified work and earned income, a verifiable bank statement or mobile money statement, and rent payable must not exceed 30 per cent.
Source: GNA
