In a recent development, three teachers have been granted a GHC350,000.00 bail each by an Accra Circuit Court in connection to an alleged employment scam. The teachers, namely Samuel Mensah Amelikpo, David Bacha Ntenyam, and Daniel Ofori Boateng, are required to provide two sureties each from the Ghana Education Service (GES) teaching profession or their family members. Additionally, they are mandated to report to the Police every Wednesday as part of their bail conditions.
The case, which has been adjourned to April 30, 2024, saw all three teachers denying the accusation of conspiring to defraud 42 individuals of GHC394,500.00 under the pretext of securing jobs for them within the GES.
According to Police Chief Inspector Daniel Danku, the complainant, Sumaila Awueidze, who hails from Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region and was unemployed, was allegedly approached by Amelikpo in August 2023. Amelikpo purportedly communicated to Awueidze about available GES recruitment slots and claimed to have the necessary protocol to facilitate the recruitment process. Subsequently, Amelikpo allegedly collected GHC394,000.00 from the complainants with the promise of securing jobs for them within the GES. However, he failed to fulfill this promise and subsequently went into hiding.
Following futile attempts to reach Amelikpo, the complainant reported the matter to the police. This led to the arrest of Amelikpo in October 2023, who admitted to collecting the aforementioned sum of money but failing to deliver on his promise. He also implicated Bacha and Boateng as his accomplices, leading to their subsequent arrests in November 2023.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Bacha had received GH¢388,000.00 from Amelikpo and handed it over to Boateng and another individual for the recruitment process. Boateng admitted to receiving money from both Amelikpo and Bacha, and claimed to have paid it into Vodafone Cash wallet accounts provided by an individual named Reuben Bempoh, who allegedly worked at GES National Headquarters in Accra.
As the police continue their investigation into this matter, it is evident that such alleged fraudulent activities can have significant repercussions for both the victims and the individuals involved. It is imperative for all parties involved to cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure that justice is served.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and due diligence when it comes to matters of employment and recruitment. It is crucial for individuals to verify the authenticity of job offers and refrain from engaging in any financial transactions unless they are certain of the legitimacy of the opportunity.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it is essential for all stakeholders, including the Ghana Education Service and relevant authorities, to remain committed to upholding integrity and transparency within the recruitment process. This will not only safeguard the interests of job seekers but also uphold the credibility of institutions responsible for such vital processes.
The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications, and it is incumbent upon all parties involved to ensure that truth and justice prevail. As this story continues to develop, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical conduct and adherence to the rule of law in all professional endeavors.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
