A National Service Personnel assigned to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly transferring more than GHS308,000 from a colleague’s Mobile Money(momo) merchant account without authorisation.
The accused, Ebenezer Ghartey, pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing when he appeared before the court presided over by Mrs Emmanuella Sarah Asmah.
The court granted him bail in the sum of GHS100,000 with three sureties, all of whom must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
As part of the bail conditions, one surety is required to provide landed property valued at not less than the bail amount, while another must be a public servant earning at least GHS5,000 monthly.
The court further directed Ghartey to report to the lead investigator every Monday and Friday until the conclusion of the case.
The matter has been adjourned to August 4, 2026.
According to the prosecution, led by Inspector Frank Morgan Dorvi, the accused allegedly carried out several unauthorised transfers from the MTN merchant account of a DVLA Administrative Officer, who is also his supervisor, into his personal Mobile Money account.
The prosecution told the court that the complainant became suspicious on May 22, 2026, after noticing an unexplained withdrawal of GHS3,000 from her account.
Investigations, including a review of transaction records obtained from MTN, allegedly traced the transfer to Ghartey’s Mobile Money account.
Further checks reportedly revealed that additional unauthorised transfers had been made between March 31 and May 20, 2026, with the total amount allegedly diverted amounting to GHS308,300.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Cantonments Police, leading to the arrest of the accused.
The prosecution said during police interrogation, Ghartey allegedly admitted using part of the funds to pay his rent, explaining that he was not receiving a salary during his national service period.
Investigators also alleged that the money was used to purchase items including a Hyundai Elantra saloon car, a 50-inch Samsung television, furniture, an air conditioner, a washing machine, a dining set, a carpet and a television stand.
Part of the funds was also allegedly used to pay a sibling’s school fees.
The prosecution further told the court that Ghartey admitted to the offence in his caution statement, a claim that will be tested during the trial.
