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Businessman charged over alleged forgery and fraudulent claims

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Accra Circuit Court

A 42-year-old businessman, Charles Otoo, has been arraigned before the Accra Circuit Court for allegedly forging pharmaceutical and car rental receipts to claim refunds from a man who shot him during a land dispute at Spintex.

Otoo faces 12 charges, including possession of forged documents, uttering forged documents, attempting to commit a crime, tax evasion, and issuing false tax invoices. He pleaded not guilty to all charges before the court, presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah, and was granted bail of GH¢50,000 with three sureties.

Background of the Case

According to the prosecution, led by ASP Benjamin Baafi Esq., Otoo had a dispute with the complainant, Kevin Saoud, over land in December 2021.

The confrontation escalated into a fight, during which Saoud’s father allegedly shot Otoo. Following the incident, Saoud agreed to cover Otoo’s medical expenses.

Otoo later submitted receipts from various pharmacies, drug stores and car rental services for reimbursement.

However, Saoud suspected the receipts were forged and reported the matter to the Baatsonaa Divisional CID for investigation.

Checks at the Registrar General’s Department revealed that some of the companies listed on the receipts did not exist.

Further investigations led to Otoo’s arrest. In his caution statement, he admitted presenting the receipts, but claimed that a friend, Samuel Ahenkorah, provided them while he was bedridden. He also admitted personally obtaining VAT invoices from Folks Auto Hub, a car rental company managed by his associate, Isaac Nartey.

The prosecution stated that Otoo forged receipts from Brobbson Pharmacy Limited, Adenta Pharmacy, Ernest Chemists, Joepharma Limited and Samoff Pharmaceutical.

Additionally, he allegedly issued false VAT invoices from Folks Auto Hub.

Investigators discovered that while Otoo had only rented a Toyota Corolla from Nartey, he was issued multiple VAT invoices covering the rental of other vehicles, including a Ford Focus and a Hyundai Elantra.

Nartey was also arrested and claimed he issued the invoices because Otoo owed him money for car rentals.

When asked to produce copies of the invoices, Nartey failed to do so. The case has been adjourned to March 19, 2025, for further proceedings as the court continues investigations.

‘Bizman’ in court over alleged GH¢1.77m job recruitment scam

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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0

A self-proclaimed businessman, Daniel Abaidoo Koomson, has been arraigned before the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding 50 people of GH¢1,770,000 under the pretence of securing them employment in various public institutions.

Daniel Koomson, who has pleaded not guilty to the charge of defrauding by false pretences, contrary to Section 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), was brought before Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit on February 24, 2025.

The court granted him bail set at GH¢2 million with three sureties. Two of the sureties must be Public Servants, earning at least GH¢10,000 while the third must justify with a property worth the value of the bail.

Additionally, Daniel Koomson is required to surrender his Ghana Card to the court Registry and report to the police once a week until further notice.

The prosecution has been directed to forward the case to the Attorney-General for advice and the case has been adjourned to April 30, 2025.

Background of the Case

According to court documents, the complainant, George Obeng, a project director for an NGO became acquainted with Daniel Koomson through political programs organiSed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

In June 2024, Daniel Koomson allegedly assured George Obeng that he could facilitate employment for interested persons in institutions such as the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Gas, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana Airport Service and National Security Service.

Based on these assurances, George Obeng mobilised 56 individuals and handed over a total of GH¢1,770,000 to Daniel Koomson, with each applicant reportedly paying between GH¢15,000 and GH¢25,000.

However, after receiving the money, Daniel Koomson allegedly failed to secure the jobs and subsequently went into hiding.

Arrest and Investigations

Following numerous failed attempts to contact him, George Obeng lodged a complaint with the police. Investigators tracked Daniel Koomson to his hideout in Ahodwo, Ashanti Region, where he was arrested on February 18, 2025.

During police interrogation, Koomson allegedly admitted to the offense in his caution statement and named one Alhaji Ibrahim as an accomplice.

Authorities are currently working to locate and apprehend the said accomplice for further investigations.

Prosecution’s Position

The case, led by Chief Inspector Kwadwo Aboagye, is expected to proceed as the prosecution gathers more evidence and await legal advice from the Attorney-General’s office.

If found guilty Daniel Koomson could face severe legal consequences, as Ghana’s criminal laws impose strict penalties for fraud-related offenses.

Editorial: Food Production: Ghana Must Put Her House In Order

By
THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, according to citinewsroom.com, has issued an urgent advisory to Ghanaian traders, cautioning them against the importation of certain staple food items from neighbouring Burkina Faso.

The banned commodities include cereals such as rice, millet, maize and sorghum, as well as white beans. This directive, the website revealed, follows an official communication from the Burkinabe government, which has imposed a ban on the export of these essential food items.

The Foreign Ministry emphasised the need for traders and businesses engaged in cross-border trade to adhere strictly to the directive to avoid potential penalties ordisruptions to their operations

The ban, which is part of Burkina Faso’s broader strategy to ensure food security for its population, comes amid growing concerns over the availability of staple foods in the Sahel region. The story further continued that recent climatic challenges, including erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells have significantly impacted agricultural production in Burkina Faso.

Additionally, security concerns, including insurgency activities in parts of the country, have disrupted farming activities, reducing overall food output. As a result, the Burkinabe government has moved to restrict the outflow of critical food resources to stabilise domestic supply and prevent food shortages.

Already, stakeholders have raised concern over the ban and that the announcement is expected to have considerable impact on the Ghanaian market, particularly for traders and consumers who rely on imports from Burkina Faso to supplement local production and this is the worry of The Chronicle.

Ghana has agriculturally endowed lands yet we are unable to cultivate them and have to always rely on imports to feed the people. The past Akufo-Addo administration introduced Planting for Food and Jobs policy and sank billions of Ghana Cedis into the project. The idea was to produce to feed the nation and get surplus for export.

But whilst this project was being executed, traders were still importing food items like cereals from our neighbouring countries, especially Burkina Faso and Niger. Apart from the fact that this obsession for food imports did put severe pressure on the strength of the local currency, the Cedi, against major currencies such as the Dollar and the Pound Sterling, it also made nonsense of the Planting for Food and Jobs policy.

All these are happening because we have failed as a nation to properly deal with the problems in the agricultural sector of our national economy. Burkina Faso is a semi-desert state, yet it is able to produce food to feed her people and export the surplus to us here. Yet Ghana, which prides herself as having rich agricultural lands is perspiring because our neighbour has banned the export of cereals.

But whilst grimacing over the ban, it should, at the same time, be a wake call on us as a nation to take agriculture serious. We have the rich lands – what is needed are good policies from the government to encourage Ghanaians to go into farming.

We repeat: what has happened is a wakeup call for us to put our house in order, otherwise we will be laughing at the wrong side of our mouth one day.

Gov’t must involve Nananom in the galamsey fight -Dunkwahene

By
admin
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Okoforubour Obeng Nuako III, Dunkwahene

Okofrobour Obeng Nuakoh III, Dunkwahene has advised the government to dialogue with Nananom to devise a way to curb the galamsey menace completely.

According to him, even though Nananom are custodians of stool lands in trust of the people, traditional leaders have no “legal authority” to fight illegal mining.

Dunkwahene made the call in an interview with Kumasi-based radio station FOX FM.

Okoforubour Nuakoh indicated that individuals come with letters (permits) from the Minerals Commission authorising them to mine their jurisdictions without their approval or consent.

He said as a Chief, he cannot hinder these individuals from going about their activities (mining), which have been permitted by a statutory government agency.

He referred to an instance in which he took legal action against one such individual over a mining activity in his area, but the court shot down his claim that whatever mineral underneath the earth in commercial quantity belonged to the state and could not claim it.

The Dunkwahene stressed that there is a “thin line” between Small Scale Mining and Galamsey, making the fight against the menace “very difficult”, noting that the onus lies on the government to fight against the menace effectively.

It is in this light that Nana Obeng Nuakoh is calling on the government to partner with Nananom to meaningfully fight against the canker.

From Oswald Pius Freiku, Kumasi

Debate Motion: “Teachers’ Services Are Essential in Society and They Deserve Higher Salaries”

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admin
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Wisdom Klu, the writer

Honourable Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Judges, Education Sector Workers, Fellow Debaters, and Esteemed Readers,

I write to support the motion that teachers’ services are crucial to society and that they deserve better compensation. Hon. Minister. Education serves as the foundation of civilization, it is the essential framework upon which all other professions are developed. Without teachers, what would our workforce consist of?

Who would guide the training of doctors who save lives, engineers who Build cities, or politicians who lead nations? Teachers facilitate the transfer of knowledge across generations. Unfortunately, in many places, they are under-compensated, undervalued, and overlooked. How can we expect them to commit to developing young minds when society fails to acknowledge their significance?

Some may argue that professions like medicine, law enforcement, and engineering offer more immediate, tangible benefits to society. Indeed, doctors save lives, police officers maintain safety, and engineers create the necessary infrastructure. But let me pose this question: Who is responsible for their training? No doctor, engineer, or officer would be where they are without first learning from a teacher. Without educators, no other professions could exist.

Honourable, the are you aware that the 2024 report from UNESCO declares, “Teachers play a vital role in shaping the future, unlocking every learner’s potential” (unesco.org). This underscores the fact that teachers are the architects of society. Oh yes! They shape the minds that construct nations. If their influence is that profound, should they not be justly rewarded?

Furthermore, Honourable Minister, the notion that a country can thrive without formal education is misguided. Education significantly affects public health and social stability. The World Bank has reported that “higher literacy rates lead to better health outcomes” (nec.edu). Educated individuals tend to seek medical assistance, adhere to treatment protocols, and live healthier lifestyles, alleviating pressure on healthcare systems. A society with educated citizens also experiences fewer preventable diseases and longer life expectancy. Can we genuinely assert that teachers are any less vital than doctors when education is essential for better public health?

Additionally, education significantly impacts national security. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), nations with higher education levels tend to have lower crime rates. The reason is that education provides individuals with improved job prospects, reducing the chance of resorting to crime for survival. By neglecting to invest in teachers, we are inadvertently contributing to a future fraught with crime and disorder. Would it not be wiser to prevent crime through education rather than relying on an overwhelmed police force?

Despite the critical nature of their work, teachers continue to be undervalued and underpaid. Some may argue they earn enough as it is, but the facts tell a different story. The International Labour Organization (ILO) indicates that “teachers in many countries earn 15-30% less than professionals with comparable qualifications” (oecd.org). This salary gap deters talented individuals from pursuing teaching careers. This may result in teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and declining education quality. If we cannot attract and retain capable educators, what kind of future workforce can we expect?

While some may argue that Teaching is a calling and that financial remuneration shouldn’t matter, I ask: does passion pay for necessities? No other profession is expected to function solely on dedication. Doctors, legal professionals, and engineers are all compensated according to the significance of their roles. Why should teachers be any different? The OECD has determined that nations with higher teacher salaries also see improved student performance and long-term economic advantages (oecd.org). Investing in educators is not merely an individual endeavour; it is an investment in our national future.

Hon. Minister, let us use Finland, for a case study, a country that consistently ranks highly in education. Their secret? Competitive salaries for teachers. Finland understands that to achieve quality education, one must attract the best talent to the profession. Teachers there are not only well-compensated but also significantly respected. This approach has led to economic stability, innovation-driven progress, and a well-informed workforce (gpseducation.oecd.org). If we wish to achieve similar success, we must emulate their efforts.

Some may contend that raising teachers’ salaries would place an excessive financial strain on the government. However, consider the reality: the cost of underpaying teachers far exceeds the expense of increasing their salaries. Low teacher wages lead to a deficient education system, creating an unskilled workforce, high unemployment rates, and sluggish economic growth. A nation that neglects to invest in its educators will eventually face the repercussions of social and economic instability.

Moreover, if we can allocate funds for infrastructure, military defence, and politicians’ salaries, why not invest in education? Lawmakers, who make decisions iImpacting millions, are well-compensated. Yet, the individuals who provide them with knowledge-the teachers-struggle financially. Does that not seem unfair? If we genuinely prioritize national progress, we must accept that education is the most potent tool for transformation. For education to thrive, educators must be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. This starts with fair wages.

Ladies and gentlemen, the evidence is clear. Teachers are the foundation of every profession, the economic backbone of society, and the guardians of knowledge. Without them, our society would falter. They cultivate minds, inspire creativity, and forge the future. Yet, we expect them to accomplish all this while grappling with financial instability. How can we profess to value education while treating educators as lesser professionals?

A well-compensated teacher leads to a well-educated society. Conversely, a poorly paid teacher results in a struggling nation. The choice is ours: do we continue to ignore those who hold the key to our future, or do we finally honour them with the respect and compensation they rightly deserve?

I strongly support the notion that teachers deliver the most essential service in society and that they deserve better pay.

Thank you!

Wisdom Koudjo Klu,

Educationist/Columnist,

Greater Accra Region.

wisdomklu@gmail.com

#Join The Debate

# Fun & Education Purpose Only

Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle

New HELSAG Executives sworn into Office

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
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Ransford Sarfo-Mensah, President - HELSAG

Health Library Staff Association (HELSAG) has sworn in new Executives into Office to run the affairs of the Association with a call on members to upgrade themselves to become competitive in their line of duties.

Executives and Members of HELSAG

Professor Christian Agyare, Provost of College of Science at the maiden conference and inaugural ceremony reminded them that the acquisition of knowledge no longer relies on tutors or teachers, but the students themselves.

He explained that acquiring knowledge is not from a book alone, but on the internet through phones and other social media devices, as well as the role of individual students.

He expressed the need for the members to upgrade themselves to also help students to learn and become competent based on training to enable them to deliver in the line of duty.

Mr. Ransford Sarfo-Mensah, the new President, reiterated the need for the government to improve their condition of service, because without a Library no Educational institution, especially Nurses and Midwives Training Institutions can operate and deliver effectively.

He lamented on delays in promotion of members and expressed worry over why some of the members were still receiving stipends on table tops.

He also complained about lack of effective logistics to enable them to compete globally.

He disclosed that the members believe in upgrading themselves as expected through training, workshops or sensitisation programmes, but sometimes they are compelled to forgo such programmes because of the lack of logistics and commitment on the part of management and government.

Mr. Sarfo-Mensah pleaded with the government through the Ministry of Health and the health institutions to provide them with the necessary support as motivation to deliver.

Ghana Post (Ashanti) bounces into full operations after massive face-lift

By
admin
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Johnson Asante, General Manager, GP - Northern sector

The Ghana Post Company Limited has over the past four years undergone tremendous transformation, as it has embarked upon massive face-lift of its facilities, particularly in the Northern sector.

Adum Post Office Annex

The company has since bounced back into full operations providing services to the general public.

Since January 2020, the Sunyani Post office (Bono region) has had its share of the ongoing facelift, while renovation works are ongoing at the Techiman Post Office in the Bono East region.

In the Ashanti region, 49 Post offices have undergone renovations to strengthen the company’s core mandate of general Postal services including parcels, EMS and other services.

These include the Kumasi Main Post Office and those at Bantama, Santasi, Bohyen Ampambame, Asuoyeboa, Adum Railways Post Office, Kwadaso, UEW-K campus, Suame, Stadium, Airport, Ashtown (Ashanti Town), Tafo, New Tafo, Aboabo, Chirapatre, Manhyia and Ahensan, all in Kumasi.

Others are the Post offices at Offinso, Nyinahin, Nkawie Toase, Tepa, Akropong, Akomadan, Nkenkaaso, Mankranso and Boamang.

The rest are Mamponteng, Obuasi Dunkwa-on-offin, New Edubiase, Fomena, Jacobu, Bekwai, Effiduase, Ejisu, Agona/Ash, Ejura, Agogo, Jamasi, Nsuta, Juaso, Odumasi, Bonwire, Asamang, Wiamoase, Konongo and Mampong.

Kumasi Main GP building

The refurbished  Post Offices, which boast of  ultra-modern technology to facilitate the needs of customers offers Business Mail Service, MoneyGram Money Transfer, Expedited Mail Service (EMS Ghana), Ria Money Transfer, Western Union Money Transfer and Parcel Service.

Other services include the sale of application forms to the Universities, Nursing Midwifery Training Colleges, Colleges of Education, Ghana Police Service, Military Training, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service and Immigration Service.

Mr. Johnson Asante, General Manager of GP (Northern sector), said GP has collaborated with Fidelity Bank to go into Agency Banking to access banking services of Fidelity on GP premises.

He said GP would introduce Post Insurance to offer insurance packages of some of the Insurance Companies in the country.

Mr. Asante further stated that GP had ventured into wholesale and retail business to sell products of some companies to increase the revenue base of the company.

From Oswald Pius Freiku, Kumasi 

Justin Bieber raps about being ‘high’ in puzzling video

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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0
Justin Bieber denied that he was taking drugs after fans called out his concerning behavior

Justin Bieber rapped about being “high” in his latest social media video after his spokesperson called out recent “harmful” allegations that he was on drugs.

On Tuesday, the two-time Grammy winner took to Instagram to share a shirtless video of himself singing while munching on a bag of snacks.

“I fly like a fly guy, I fly high like a bagpipe, I go high like a bad guy,” he rapped alongside a friend who was smoking a cigarette.

Several fans gushed over Bieber’s random clip, with one writing, “I’m so desperate for new music i’ll take anything at this point like this gold right now! GO BIEBS.”

“Bieber is back,’ another chimed in.

“weird but cute,” a third added.

Reps for the “Peaches” crooner, 30, weren’t immediately available to Page Six for comment.

Bieber’s video comes after his rep denied the claims that the pop star was taking drugs after fans called out his recent odd behavior.

On Sunday, his rep told TMZ the rumors were “exhausting and pitiful and shows that despite the obvious truth, people are committed to keeping negative, salacious, harmful narratives alive.”

The spokesperson explained that the past year has been “transformative” for the “Stay” singer, especially after he and Hailey Bieber welcomed their first child, Jack Blues, in August 2024.

Per the outlet, Justin appeared exhausted in concerning photos of himself in New York City on Feb. 1 because he was caring for his son the night prior.

Fans also assumed Justin was high when he stepped out to support his wife at a Rhode Skin pop-up event in Los Angeles on Feb. 18.

At the time, a video of him wearing sunglasses inside the venue and swaying his body went viral.

The Canadian-born singer was later photographed taking a smoke break with Dave Chappelle early Saturday.

Credit: pagesix.com

Kofi Okyere Darko appointed Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Kofi Okyere Darko

President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has appointed media personality and creative entrepreneur, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD) as Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs.

KOD confirmed the appointment to myjoyonline.com on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

With his extensive experience in connecting Ghana with its global diaspora, KOD’s appointment underscores President Mahama’s commitment to strengthening ties with Ghanaians abroad, fostering investment opportunities, and enhancing cultural and economic collaboration.

Kofi Okyere Darko is the CEO of the clothing line Nineteen 57 and the founder of the annual fashion and music event Rhythms on Da Runway.

Kofi Okyere Darko’s career began as a production assistant for a Ghana Broadcasting Corporation television show. He later joined Radio Gold, then moved to England for work.

His experience includes holding positions at fashion designers such as Ted Baker and Paul Smith, before returning to Ghana to continue working for radios. He has been a presenter, events manager, and marketing manager for the EIB Network’s LIVE FM and a celebrated MC.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Senate accuses Central Bank of frustrating N30tn Ways and Means probe

By
admin
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0
Nigerian Senate

The Senate Ad-hoc Committee Investigating Ways and Means has slammed the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for frustrating its investigation into the N30 trillion facility provided to the last administration from 2015 to 2023.

The chairman of the ad-hoc committee,
Senator Jibrin Isah Echoch, made the accusation after receiving an interim report from consultants commissioned to investigate the matter.

He said the committee was mandated to investigate how the Ways and Means facility was utilized by the past administration, particularly as it affects the government’s cover for budget deficits.

DAILY POST recalled that on 20th February, 2024, the Nigerian Senate passed a resolution to investigate the use of the facility by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Senator Isah attributed the food scarcity and security challenges bedeviling the country to unnecessary overdraft from the nation’s coffers by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

He said the committee’s mandate was to unravel the utilization of funds, highlighting that “the details of the spending was deliberately shielded away from the National Assembly”.

The lawmaker lamented the uncooperative stance of the Central Bank of Nigeria in providing the necessary documents for the consultants to carry out their job.

Jibrin said, “None of the documents was submitted to us. We will not allow you to attend the next meeting because you have been coming here for the same reason.

“The least likely person that will attend the next meeting should be a deputy governor of CBN. What you are telling us is not the truth. We have not received the documents. I don’t want to deceive the public here.”

Jibrin further stated that the goal of his committee was to produce a report as quickly as possible, but expressed frustration that their efforts were being hindered by the actions of the CBN.

He said, “The information we have here is not different from what we have had all along.

“What we did was to hand over the documents to the consultants, and when the consultants made available to us this interim report, our intention was to hold onto the interim report on the final report.

“We have now been compelled to make available this interim report to the general public so that we let them know where the problem is.

“The problem is that the Central Bank of Nigeria has consistently denied us the documents that we need to complete this assignment. That is the truth. I was at the CBN sometimes, I met Bala the deputy governor and they promised but nothing came out of it.”

Credit: dailypost.ng

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