A National Service Personnel (NSP) attached to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has been charged with allegedly stealing GHS 308,300. Ebenezer Ghartey faces accusations of conducting unauthorised Mobile Money transfers.
Mr. Ghartey appeared before the Accra Circuit Court, pleading not guilty to the stealing charge. Inspector Frank Morgan Dorvi, the prosecutor, informed the court that the accused transferred funds from a DVLA administrative officer’s MTN merchant account. The diverted money allegedly went into his personal Mobile Money account.
This case highlights growing concerns about financial misconduct within public institutions in Ghana. Such incidents can erode public trust and expose weaknesses in internal control systems. The alleged theft involved a significant sum, impacting the public sector's financial integrity.
The prosecution detailed that the complainant, a DVLA Administrative Officer, first noticed an unauthorised withdrawal of GHS 3,000 on May 22, 2026. Checking her balance revealed this discrepancy. Subsequent investigations with MTN uncovered a series of transactions.
Records showed a total of GHS 308,300 was allegedly transferred to Mr. Ghartey’s account. These transfers occurred between March 31 and May 20, 2026. The matter was reported to the Cantonments Police, leading to Mr. Ghartey's arrest.
During police investigations, Mr. Ghartey reportedly stated he was not receiving a salary. He claimed he used the stolen money for rent payments. Further, he allegedly purchased a Hyundai Elantra saloon car and several household items. These items include a Samsung 50-inch television, furniture, an air conditioner, a floor carpet, and a dining set. He also reportedly paid his sibling’s school fees with the funds. In his caution statement, Mr. Ghartey admitted to committing the offence.
The court granted Mr. Ghartey bail in the sum of GHS 100,000. He must provide three sureties residing within the court’s jurisdiction. One surety must justify the bail with landed property valued at not less than the bail sum. Another surety must be a public servant earning at least GHS 5,000 monthly. The court also ordered Mr. Ghartey to report to the case investigator every Monday and Friday. The case is adjourned to August 4, 2026.
This case comes amidst rising concerns about digital fraud and financial misconduct in Ghana. The Bank of Ghana’s 2025 report identified digital fraud as a top banking complaint. Such incidents underscore the need for enhanced oversight and security protocols within public sector financial operations. They also highlight the vulnerabilities of mobile money platforms to misuse if not properly monitored. Preventing such occurrences is crucial for maintaining confidence in Ghana's financial systems. Institutions must strengthen their internal controls and audit mechanisms to detect and prevent such thefts. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by those concerned with public finance and institutional accountability.