Fake NIA officer jailed for defrauding Ghana Card applicants
Fidelis Samuel Mensah was sentenced to 30 days’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to charges of stealing and defrauding by false pretences.
The Gbese District Court has jailed a man who posed as a staff member of the National Identification Authority and defrauded people seeking Ghana Card services.
Fidelis Samuel Mensah was sentenced to 30 days’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to charges of stealing and defrauding by false pretences.
The National Identification Authority announced the conviction in a statement issued on Thursday, June 25.
According to the NIA, Mensah operated around its Regional Office in Accra, where he falsely presented himself as an employee of the Authority.
He allegedly approached members of the public who had gone there for Ghana Card registration and update services.
The Authority said he claimed he could assist them with the process.
Instead, he unlawfully took money, mobile phones and personal documents from several victims.
Complaints about his activities later reached the NIA.
The Authority said its Police Investigation Unit, working together with NIA staff, carried out an operation that led to his arrest.
Mensah was subsequently put before the Gbese District Court.
He pleaded guilty to stealing and defrauding by false pretences.
The court convicted him on his own plea and sentenced him to 30 days’ imprisonment.
The NIA has cautioned the public against dealing with unauthorised persons who claim they can assist with Ghana Card services.
It urged applicants to seek help only from authorised officials at designated service points.
The Authority said members of the public must remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to people who exploit Ghana Card applicants.
