A major alleged military recruitment scandal has erupted in Accra after a 41-year-old woman was brought before court for reportedly collecting GH¢675,000 from 26 people with promises of securing their enlistment into the Ghana Armed Forces.
The accused, Patience Mbaye, a ward assistant, has been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and three counts of defrauding by false pretences. She pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the prosecution, Mbaye allegedly worked with former Senior Warrant Officer Jeffery Naboung, who is currently at large. Naboung is separately accused of receiving GH¢1,005,000 from 47 individuals seeking opportunities to join the military. Together, the two are alleged to have collected approximately GH¢1.68 million from hopeful applicants.
The alleged scheme reportedly unfolded between 2023 and 2024 after an okada rider, Abdul Malik Ali, met Mbaye. Prosecutors claim she presented herself as someone with influential connections capable of helping interested applicants enter the Ghana Armed Forces.
Ali reportedly informed his sister about the opportunity, while Prisons officer Fatima Adam also became interested. When Fatima contacted Mbaye to confirm whether the arrangement was genuine, she was allegedly assured that several people had already been successfully recruited through the accused persons’ assistance.
The prosecution further alleged that Ali was instructed to deposit GH¢25,000 into a bank account provided by Naboung. Other applicants reportedly made similar payments into GCB Bank accounts connected to the accused persons.
However, none of the promised military placements allegedly materialised. Despite repeated demands from the applicants, prosecutors said the money was not returned, leading the victims to report the matter to the police.
Mbaye was granted bail of GH¢100,000 with three justified sureties, including one public servant. She must also report to investigators every Wednesday and Friday.
The case has been adjourned to July 27, 2026, as investigations and court proceedings continue.
