Two students and a lecturer accused of defrauding students at the University of Ghana’s Dr. Hilla Liman Hall by collecting GH₵106,800 under the guise of providing accommodation have appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.
The defendants, Joseph Appiah (25), Stephen Nimako Ansong (24), and Dr. Kwadwo Owusu Ayeh (58), a Senior Hall Tutor, face charges of conspiracy and 32 counts of defrauding by false pretenses.
Appiah and Ansong also face charges of abetment of a criminal offense, specifically corruption of and by a public officer, while Dr. Ayeh faces an additional charge of corruption by a public officer. All three have pleaded not guilty.
Presiding Judge Mr. Isaac Addo granted bail to each defendant at GH₵100,000 with one surety. The prosecution was ordered to comply with the rules of disclosure, and the case was adjourned to July 30, 2024.
Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, leading the prosecution, stated that the complainant, Professor Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, petitioned the Accra Regional Police Command on October 17, 2023, to investigate alleged bed-selling at Dr. Hilla Liman Hall.
The complaint indicated that some students and staff were demanding and collecting money under the pretense of providing rooms and beds to students.
On October 18, 2023, a team of detectives led by Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Osei-Agbogah from the Accra Regional Criminal Investigations Department began investigating the matter.
During the investigation, 32 students were identified as victims, confirming that Appiah and Ansong had collected sums ranging from GH₵2,000 to GH₵2,500 each, promising to allocate them accommodation.
Appiah and Ansong, upon arrest, admitted to the scheme and implicated Dr. Ayeh, stating they were engaged in the accommodation and bed-selling operation together.
The investigation revealed that after assuming office, Dr. Ayeh conspired with Ansong to identify students in need of accommodation. Ansong then informed Appiah to find more students.
The trio managed to collect GH₵106,800 from 32 students, promising them accommodation at Dr. Hilla Liman Hall but ultimately failing to deliver. Ansong has since refunded GH₵30,000.