Joseph Diawuo, a 30-year-old trader, has been remanded in police custody for allegedly collecting GH¢308,000 under the pretext of enlisting 46 individuals into three security services, a scheme that ultimately failed.

Diawuo is accused of deceiving his victims with promises of enlisting them in the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Service, and Ghana Armed Forces through protocol slots.

He denied the charge of defrauding by false pretenses when he appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.

Diawuo is expected to reappear before a court presided over by Isaac Addo on May 22, 2024. The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Seth Frimpong, informed the court that investigations are ongoing.

ASP Frimpong stated that the complainant, Elizabeth Adewuni, a police officer residing in Accra, Airport, had met the accused about a year ago.

The accused had claimed to have protocol slots available for recruiting interested individuals into the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and Ghana Armed Forces. The prosecution noted that interested persons were asked to pay between GH¢6,000 and GH¢10,000.

The prosecution further explained that the accused had instructed the complainant to mobilize interested individuals, resulting in the gathering of 46 men and women. Of these, 38 people paid GH¢6,000 each, totaling GH¢228,000, while the remaining eight paid GH¢10,000 each, amounting to GH¢80,000, bringing the total received by the accused to GH¢308,000.

It was also stated that each person was to undergo a medical examination costing GH¢1,500, which was included in the sum given to the accused. Upon receiving the money, the complainant transferred some funds to a Momo account number provided by the accused and handed over the remainder to Diawuo.

The prosecution alleged that the accused had organized a medical examination for all 46 individuals at Hope Exchange Hospital in Santasi, Ashanti Region.

However, after collecting the money, the accused went into hiding, ceased all communication with the complainant, and remained elusive until his arrest.

The actions of the accused led the complainant to realize she had been swindled, prompting her to report the matter to the police. During the investigation, Diawuo identified his accomplice as one Osei, whom he has yet to lead the police to.