A University of Ghana Senior lecturer, along with two students have been granted a Ghc 100,000 bail following accusations of deceiving dozens of students at the University of Ghana’s Dr. Hilla Liman Hall over the acquisition of beds.
Joseph Appiah, 25, Stephen Nimako Ansong, 24, and Dr. Kwadwo Owusu Ayeh, a 58-year-old senior hall tutor, have been charged with conspiracy and 32 counts of fraud by false pretenses.
Appiah and Nimako face additional charges of abetting a criminal offense, namely corruption of and by a public officer. Dr. Ayeh also faces a charge of corruption of and by a public officer. The three have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.
According to prosecutors, the scheme involved the accused individuals demanding and collecting sums ranging from GHC2,000 to GHC2,500 from 32 students, promising them beds and rooms at the hall. However, the students never received the accommodations they paid for.
Prosecutors allege that Dr. Ayeh conspired with Ansong to find students in need of housing and beds, with Ansong then informing Appiah to seek out prospective victims.
The total amount defrauded from the students was GHC106,800, though Ansong has since refunded GHC30,000. The Accra Circuit Court has granted the three accused individuals bail of GHC100,000 each, with one surety required per person.
The trial is set to continue on July 30, 2024, as the prosecution works to comply with disclosure rules.
