The Accra Circuit Court has granted a GH¢50,000 bail each to two persons, who allegedly defrauded 35 people of GH¢350,000, under the pretext of securing them employment at Ghana COCOBOD.
Douglas Ofosu, student, and Wilfred Kwaku Boateng, businessman, were ordered by the Court presided over by Mrs Kizita Naa Kowah Quarshie to produce common sureties.
The two accused have pleaded not guilty to the charge of defrauding by false pretences and were expected to reappear before court in February 13, 2023.
Meanwhile, their accomplices whose names were given only as Sakyi, Mensah, Emmanuel and Bismark Odame were on the run.
Chief Inspector Isaac Anquandah told the Court that complainants in this case (names not given) were unemployed.
He said Ofosu and his accomplices introduced themselves to their victims as staff of COCOBOD, who could help them secure employment at the institution.
Chief Insp Anquandah said between November and December 2022, accused collected GH¢350,000 from the victims, under the pretext of securing them employment at COCOBOD.
The prosecution said after accused took the money, they failed to honour their promise, and the complainants petitioned the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and Ofosu was arrested.
Chief Insp Anquandah said Ofosu in his cautioned statement, admitted receiving about GH¢100,000 from Boateng.
The court heard that Odame, now at large, introduced himself to the victims as Dr Mensah, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, and received money from the job seekers.
Chief Insp Anquadah said Ofosu bought MTN mobile money merchant SIM card at GH¢600 from his friend, and used it to receive money from his victims, adding that the booty was shared among accused.
The prosecution said on January 4, 2023, Boateng was arrested when he report at the NIB in the company of his Lawyer.
Chief Insp Anquadah said Boateng in his caution statement, admitted that he purchased MTN mobile money SIM card, which he used to receive funds on behalf of Odame. —GNA
