DVLA National Service Personnel charged over alleged GH¢308K MoMo theft

A National Service Personnel attached to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has appeared before the Accra Circuit Court after being accused of allegedly stealing GH¢308,300 through a series of unauthorised Mobile Money transactions.

The accused, Ebenezer Ghartey, pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing when he was arraigned before the court presided over by Mrs. Emmanuella Sarah Asmah.

The case stems from allegations that the National Service Personnel unlawfully transferred hundreds of thousands of cedis from a DVLA administrative officer's MTN merchant account into his personal Mobile Money account over a period of several weeks.

Following his plea, the court admitted Ghartey to bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with three sureties, all of whom must reside within the court's jurisdiction.

As part of the bail conditions:

• One surety must justify the bail using landed property within the jurisdiction valued at no less than the bail amount.
• Another surety must be a public servant earning a minimum monthly salary of GH¢5,000.
• The accused is required to report to the case investigator every Monday and Friday until the court orders otherwise.

The case has been adjourned to August 4, 2026, for further hearing.

Presenting the facts before the court, prosecutor Inspector Frank Morgan Dorvi said the complainant, whose identity has been withheld, serves as an Administrative Officer at the DVLA and supervised Ghartey during his National Service placement.

According to the prosecution, the complainant discovered an unauthorised withdrawal of GH¢3,000 from her MTN merchant account on May 22, 2026, after reviewing her account balance.

Suspecting fraudulent activity, she obtained transaction records from MTN, which allegedly traced the transfer to Ghartey's Mobile Money account.

Further investigations into transactions conducted between March 31 and May 20, 2026, allegedly uncovered a pattern of repeated unauthorised transfers.

The prosecution told the court that a total of GH¢308,300 had allegedly been moved from the complainant's merchant account into the accused's Mobile Money wallet during that period.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Cantonments Police, who arrested the suspect and commenced investigations.

According to the prosecution, Ghartey informed investigators during questioning that he was not receiving a salary during his National Service.

Police allege that he admitted using portions of the money to improve his living conditions and purchase several personal items.

The prosecution claimed the funds were allegedly used to acquire:

• A Hyundai Elantra saloon vehicle.
• A Samsung 50-inch television.
• A complete furniture set.
• An air conditioner.
• A floor carpet.
• A dining table and chairs.
• A washing machine.
• A television rack and frame.

Investigators further alleged that part of the money was used to pay his sibling's school fees.

The prosecution also informed the court that, in his caution statement, the accused allegedly admitted committing the offence.

However, despite the prosecution's claims, Ghartey pleaded not guilty when the charge was read before the court.

The trial is expected to continue on August 4, 2026, when prosecutors are anticipated to present additional evidence and witnesses as investigations progress.

The case highlights growing concerns over internal financial controls, digital payment security and the misuse of Mobile Money platforms, particularly within public institutions handling commercial and merchant accounts.