Ex-SWO and Ward Assistant in Court Over Alleged GH¢1.68 Million GAF Recruitment Fraud

A 41-year-old ward assistant has appeared before an Accra court after being accused of participating in an alleged recruitment scam that prosecutors say defrauded dozens of people seeking to join the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

Patience Mbaye is alleged to have collected GH¢675,000 from 26 individuals by falsely promising to secure their enlistment into the military.

According to the prosecution, Mbaye acted together with Ex-Senior Warrant Officer Jeffery Naboung, who is currently on the run. Naboung is accused of collecting an additional GH¢1,005,000 from 47 other victims using the same recruitment scheme.

Combined, the two are alleged to have taken GH¢1.68 million from 73 people.

Charges and Bail

Inspector Frank Morgan Dorvi, who led the prosecution, told the court that the accused persons have been jointly charged with conspiracy to commit crime and three counts of defrauding by false pretences. Mbaye pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The court granted her bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with three justified sureties, one of whom must be a public servant.

She was also directed to report to the case investigator every Wednesday and Friday until the conclusion of investigations.

The matter has been adjourned to July 27, 2026.

How the Alleged Recruitment Scam Worked

The prosecution identified the complainants as Fatima Adam, a Prisons Officer, and Abdul Malik Ali, an okada rider.

According to investigators, between 2023 and 2024, Ali met Mbaye, who allegedly claimed she had influential connections capable of securing recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces.

Ali reportedly shared the opportunity with his sister, while Fatima Adam also became interested after learning about the alleged recruitment arrangement.

Before making any payment, Fatima is said to have contacted Mbaye by phone to confirm the authenticity of the offer.

Prosecutors said Mbaye assured her that she and Naboung had successfully helped several people gain admission into the military in the past.

Ali was allegedly instructed to deposit GH¢25,000 into a GCB Bank account provided by Naboung.

Investigators allege that the suspects received payments from multiple recruitment hopefuls through separate GCB Bank accounts, with Mbaye collecting GH¢675,000 and Naboung receiving GH¢1,005,000.

Victims Reported Matter to Police

The prosecution said the promised recruitment never materialised, and despite repeated demands from the victims, the money was not refunded.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Police, leading to investigations and Mbaye's arrest. Authorities are still searching for Naboung, who remains at large.