We are deeply concerned by the recent case of fraud that has come to light in the Winneba District. A 30-year-old student of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has been sentenced to 13 months’ imprisonment for defrauding by false pretences, as per section 131 of the criminal and other offences 29/60.
The student, Frank Anderson Junior, pleaded guilty to the charges and appealed to the court for time to refund the money. However, the Court, presided over by Madam Josephine Fosua Appiah, convicted him on his own plea and sentenced him accordingly.
The facts of the case, as presented by Detective Police Inspector Dorinda Azuma, revealed that the complainant, Ms Emeta Cecilia Odarno, sought assistance from a witness and fellow student of UEW, Simon Alhassan, to secure admission at the university. Alhassan then involved Anderson Junior, who agreed to assist the complainant in exchange for a payment of GHc2,500.00 for the admission form and subsequent admission.
Subsequently, Ms Odarno received an admission letter for the 2023/2024 academic year from UEW, but upon attempting to pay the school fees, she encountered challenges with the provided index number. This led to further payments totaling GHc2,300.00 being made to the convict.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that the admission letter and official receipt provided by Anderson Junior were forged, and the complainant's name was not in the university's system. The matter was reported to the police, leading to the apprehension of the convict and the retrieval of the fraudulently obtained funds.
GhanaCrime's Take
It is disheartening to see individuals take advantage of others through deceit and fraudulent activities. The University of Education, Winneba, is a place of learning and growth, and such actions undermine the trust and integrity of the educational institution.
We commend the swift action taken by law enforcement in apprehending the perpetrator and ensuring that justice is served. It is imperative for students and members of the community to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity, upholding the values of trust and accountability.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and due diligence in all financial transactions, especially those involving educational institutions. We hope that this outcome brings a sense of closure to the affected parties and serves as a deterrent to others who may contemplate engaging in fraudulent activities.
As we move forward, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding ethical conduct and standing against any form of dishonesty or exploitation. Together, we can foster an environment of integrity and mutual respect within our academic community.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
