A National Service Person serving at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has appeared before the Accra Circuit Court after being accused of diverting more than GH¢300,000 from an official Mobile Money merchant account under the supervision of a senior officer.
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.
According to the prosecution, Ghartey allegedly transferred GH¢308,300 from the MTN Mobile Money merchant account of a DVLA Administrative Officer to his personal Mobile Money account through a series of unauthorised transactions.
Inspector Frank Morgan Dorvi, who prosecuted the case, told the court that the alleged theft came to light on May 22, 2026, when the complainant noticed an unexplained withdrawal of GH¢3,000 after checking the balance of the merchant account.
Suspecting unauthorised activity, the complainant requested transaction records from MTN, which investigators say identified Ghartey as the recipient of the transfer.
Further examination of the account allegedly revealed that between March 31 and May 20, 2026, a total of GH¢308,300 had been transferred from the merchant account to the accused’s Mobile Money wallet.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Cantonments Police, leading to Ghartey’s arrest and the commencement of investigations.
During the investigation, prosecutors said Ghartey admitted he was not receiving a salary during his national service period and allegedly disclosed that he used portions of the money to meet personal expenses.
According to the prosecution, the funds were allegedly used to pay rent, settle a sibling’s school fees, and purchase several household and personal items, including a Hyundai Elantra saloon car, a 50-inch Samsung television, furniture, an air conditioner, a washing machine, a dining set, a floor carpet and a television stand.
The prosecution further told the court that the accused admitted to the offence in his caution statement.
Despite the allegations, Ghartey entered a plea of not guilty.
The court granted him bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with three sureties who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
As part of the bail conditions, one surety must justify the bond with landed property valued at not less than the bail amount, while another must be a public servant earning at least GH¢5,000 per month.
The court also directed Ghartey to report to the case investigator every Monday and Friday until the conclusion of the investigations or further orders of the court.
The case has been adjourned to August 4, 2026, when proceedings are expected to continue.
