Omanghana
A 41-year-old ward assistant has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court over her alleged involvement in a GH¢1.68 million Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment scam that reportedly defrauded dozens of job seekers.
The accused, Patience Mbaye, is alleged to have conspired with a former military officer to collect money from individuals under the false promise of securing them enlistment into the Ghana Armed Forces.
She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Two Suspects Charged
According to the prosecution, led by Inspector Frank Morgan Dorvi, the case involves two suspects who have been charged with:
- Conspiracy to commit a crime
- Three counts of defrauding by false pretenses
While Mbaye has appeared before the court, her alleged accomplice, former Senior Warrant Officer Jeffery Naboung, remains on the run.
Amounts Allegedly Collected
Prosecutors told the court that:
- Patience Mbaye allegedly collected GH¢675,000 from 26 victims.
- Jeffery Naboung allegedly received GH¢1,005,000 from 47 victims through his Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) account.
In total, authorities say 73 victims lost GH¢1.68 million in the alleged recruitment scheme.
How the Alleged Recruitment Scam Worked
The prosecution said the alleged fraud took place between 2023 and 2024.
According to investigators, one of the complainants, Abdul Malik Ali, an okada rider, met Mbaye, who allegedly claimed she had influential “protocol” connections capable of securing direct recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces.
Ali later informed his sister, Fatima Adam, a Prisons Officer, about the opportunity.
The prosecution said Adam contacted Mbaye to verify the claims, and Mbaye allegedly assured her that she and Naboung had successfully helped several people gain entry into the military in the past.
Victims were then instructed to deposit money into Ghana Commercial Bank accounts reportedly belonging to Naboung.
Victims Report Matter to Police
According to the prosecution, after collecting a combined GH¢1,680,000, the suspects allegedly failed to secure military recruitment for the victims or refund the money they had received.
The victims subsequently reported the matter to the police, leading to investigations and criminal charges.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest Naboung, who remains at large.
Court Grants Bail
The Accra Circuit Court granted Mbaye bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with three justified sureties.
As part of the bail conditions:
- At least one of the sureties must be a public servant.
- Mbaye must report to the case investigator every Wednesday and Friday until further notice.
The court adjourned the case to July 27, 2026, to allow investigations to continue and to facilitate efforts to apprehend the second accused.
Police Warn Public Against Recruitment Fraud
The case serves as another reminder for members of the public to be cautious of individuals claiming they can secure recruitment into the security services through unofficial channels.
Authorities have repeatedly emphasized that recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces and other state security agencies follows established procedures and does not require payments to private individuals or intermediaries.
Investigations into the alleged fraud are ongoing as police continue their search for the fugitive former military officer.
Source: Omanghana
