Omanghana
A Ghanaian pastor accused of defrauding more than 80 people in an alleged employment scheme valued at GH¢1.56 million has been remanded in custody.
The accused, Noah Asare, popularly known as Agya Noah, appeared before the Dansoman Circuit Court over claims that he collected money from job seekers after promising to secure employment for them in various state security institutions.
Investigators allege that Asare presented himself as someone with the necessary connections to facilitate recruitment into the security services.
The victims were reportedly persuaded to make payments in anticipation of receiving appointment letters or being enlisted into the institutions. The promised employment opportunities allegedly failed to materialize.
The case has attracted attention because of the number of alleged victims and the total amount reportedly collected through the scheme.
Following his appearance, the court ordered that Asare be remanded while investigators continued gathering evidence and taking statements from the affected applicants.
The allegations against him have not been proven, and he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until the court determines the case.
Employment fraud involving supposed recruitment into Ghana’s security and public-sector institutions has remained a persistent concern. Fraudsters often claim to have influential contacts capable of bypassing official recruitment procedures in exchange for payment.
Security agencies have repeatedly cautioned that recruitment exercises are conducted through officially announced channels and that applicants should not pay money to individuals claiming they can guarantee appointments.
Job seekers have also been advised to verify recruitment notices through the official websites, offices and verified communication platforms of the relevant institutions.
Members of the public who suspect that they have been targeted by similar schemes are encouraged to preserve receipts, electronic payment records, messages and other communications that could assist investigators.
The case involving Asare is expected to return to court after the expiration of the remand period as investigations and legal proceedings continue.
Source: Omanghana
