Three individuals from the University of Ghana, including two students and a lecturer, have been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court on charges of conspiracy and defrauding by false pretences, involving GH¢106,800, according to campus-based univers.ug.edu.gh.

According to the news report, Joseph Appiah, 25, and Stephen Nimako Ansong, 24, both Level 400 students, along with Dr. Kwadwo Owusu Ayeh, 58, a Senior Hall Tutor, face multiple charges related to an alleged scam at Dr. Hilla Liman Hall.

Appiah and Ansong face additional charges of abetment of a criminal offence, specifically corruption involving public officers.

Dr. Ayeh is also charged with corruption by a public officer. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty.

The court presided over by Isaac Addo, has granted bail to each defendant set at GH¢100,000 with one surety each. The trial is scheduled to continue on July 30, 2024.

Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, representing the prosecution, informed the court that the case was initiated following a petition from Professor Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana.

The petition, filed on October 17, 2023, accused certain university staff and students of soliciting and collecting money from other students under the guise of providing accommodation and beds at Dr. Hilla Liman Hall.

The following day, a team of detectives led by Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Osei-Agbogah began investigations.

They identified 32 students who had fallen victim to the scheme, confirming that Appiah and Ansong had collected between GH¢2,000 and GH¢2,500 from each, promising them accommodation that was never provided.

During interrogation, Appiah and Ansong are reported to have admitted to their involvement, revealing their collaboration with Dr. Ayeh.

The investigation is reported to have found that Dr. Ayeh conspired with Ansong to find students in need of accommodation, who then coordinated with Appiah to secure potential victims.

The accused reportedly collected a total of GH¢106,800 from 32 students. Of this amount, Ansong is reported to have refunded GH¢30,000.

AM/SARA

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