Former NPP MP arrested over alleged fraud

Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Wulensi Constituency in Northern Region, Thomas Donkor Ogajah has been arrested by police for defrauding a scrap dealer.

The former lawmaker has been charged with defrauding by false pretence in accordance with section 131 of the criminal offence Act of 1960, (Act 29) involving an amount of GHS38,600 belonging to the scrap dealer

He has also been charged with fraudulent breach of trust based on section 128 of the criminal offenses Act of 1960, (Act 29) also involving an amount of GHS57,000 belonging to the scrap dealer Yussif Osman.

Facts obtained reveals that on 17th of September 2021, the suspect, former MP for Wulensi, Thomas Donkor Ogaja, met complainant Yussif Osman at the Ministry of Interior in Accra.

The complainant was introduced to the suspect by one Mr. Kareem, an errand boy of the aforementioned suspect, that the complainant Yussif Osman was dealing in scrap business and needed assistance to buy scraps from the Ministry of Railways.

The suspect immediately promised to assist the complainant and asked him to make a commitment of some money to enable him buy the scraps.

Even though they did not agree on a specific amount, on their second meeting, on another day, the complainant allegedly gave GHS5000 as an advanced payment to the former MP to start with the acquisition of the scraps.

The suspect, after allegedly collecting the money, promised the complainant that, he knew former Minister of Railways Development Joe Ghartey, and also current Minister for Railways Development John Peter Amewu.

The suspect claimed he had contacted them to assist in buying the scraps in large quantities.

Thereafter, he asked the complainant to make another payment of unspecified amounts to enable him influence the aforementioned Ministers for him to easily acquire the scraps.

The complainant made payment in installment totalling GHS38,600.

The second issue being handled by the police had to do with fraudulent breach of trust preferred against the former lawmaker.

Inspite of all that had happened to the complainant, he did not give up, and decided to continue with his scrap business.

Out of complainant's own efforts, he was able to get a scrap deal (business) from a Chinese company called Geo-engineering Corporation located at Aveyima, in the Volta Region.

He was asked to pay GHS330,000 for the scraps — 7 big tipper trucks and two concrete mixer machines for outright buying.

Since he wasn't having money, the complainant once again called the former MP for him to assist him raise money to enable him buy the scraps.

The suspect could not raise the money himself but contacted a family friend at Agbogbloshie, who was able to finance the deal.

They sold the scraps they bought at GHS500,000 making a profit of GHS170,000. Before the transaction, the three parties, thus, complainant, suspect, and financier had agreed that the profit would be equally shared.

The suspect allegedly deposited the profit into his personal account refusing to give the complainant (Yussif Osman) his share of the money as earlier agreed by the parties.

The complainant subsequently went through serious financial crisis and difficulties and pleaded with the suspect to at least release some of the money for him to start something with his scrap business, but all fell on deaf ears.

Until 21st July 2023 the complainant gathered courage and lodged a complaint at the Legon Police Station.

Police then acted swiftly and on Saturday 5th August 2023 at about 11:10am, the suspect was arrested to face the full rigors of the law.

Checks at the police station revealed that the suspect did not deny the allegations made against him and had therefore been charged.

He was granted bail while the police continued with their investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Isaac Brako at the Legon Police Station has been assigned by the police to investigate the case.

In his statement to the police, the suspect, Thomas Donkor Ogajah, confirmed the claims made by the complainant.

He indicated that indeed, they (suspect and complainant) had a scrap business together, and out of the business, profit was realized to the tune of GHS170,000.

He also admitted receiving various sums of money from the complainant but claim they were fuel allowances to go and lobby the two Railways Development Ministers, and the Chief of staff office for the scrap deal.

In his statement again, the suspect admitted meeting the sector Ministers involved and one Deputy Minister to discuss the scrap deals with them.