Hohoe, Mar 21, GNA - A former staff of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) at the Nkwanta District Hospital has been remanded in prison custody for stealing assorted hospital equipment and false presumption of professional title.

Joseph Frimpong Boamah, alias doctor, pleaded guilty to stealing at a Hohoe Magistrate's Court but denied the charge of false presumption of professional title. He is to re-appear on March 25. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Benjamin Dadzie, prosecuting, told the court presided over by Mr Stanislaus Amanoipo that Police recovered assorted medical and surgical equipment, including those for terminating pregnancy, and syringes, gauze, gloves and some implements in a search on the premises of suspect upon a tip off, on February 18, this year.

Mr Dadzie said Boamah admitted in his caution statement that he stole the items in bits when he gained access to the theatre as a cleaner.

He said because he was a casual employee, he stole the medical equipment to establish himself towards becoming self-sufficient. The suspect, Mr Dadzie said, admitted to using the equipment to perform criminal abortions on unsuspecting members of the public who patronised his so-called clinic in the past two years. He said the suspect failed to disclose how much revenue he had made from the illegal business and the number of cases involved. Dr Emmanuel Kasu, Medical Superintendent of the Hospital, reportedly instituted investigations into the case of the lost equipment no culprits were apprehended. He said in many instances the disappearance of such crucial equipment impeded prompt healthcare delivery.