The Prestea Magistrate Court, presided over by His Lordship Iddi Adama, has handed a 20-month prison sentence to 35-year-old Kingsford Ahulu, an unemployed man from Bogoso, for defrauding two job seekers under the guise of securing them employment at Heath Goldfields Limited, formerly known as the Prestea-Bogoso Mine.
According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Raymond Lawer, the convict swindled Frederick Botwe of GHS 9,600 after assuring him of a position in the mine’s Control Room Department. The offence took place in September 2025, when the victim, in search of employment, approached Ahulu believing he could facilitate his recruitment.
Botwe later introduced a friend, Kwame Osei, who was also desperate for work. The accused allegedly promised both men that they would undergo medical screening within two weeks as part of the recruitment procedure. Convinced by his assurances, the victims made full payment of the requested sums.
However, when the promised period elapsed, the two men were unable to reach Ahulu, who gave conflicting excuses and eventually went into hiding. Their suspicion aroused, they lodged a formal complaint with the police, leading to Ahulu’s arrest and prosecution.
During the trial, prosecutors presented compelling evidence showing that Ahulu intentionally deceived the victims and took advantage of their need for jobs to extort money.
Delivering judgment, His Lordship Iddi Adama found the accused guilty on both counts of defrauding by false pretence. Ahulu received eight months’ imprisonment for the first count involving Botwe and twelve months for the second involving Osei. The sentences will run consecutively, resulting in a total of 20 months in jail.
The court described the act as a calculated scheme to exploit vulnerable job seekers and emphasized the judiciary’s determination to curb such fraudulent activities.
Authorities have since cautioned the public to be vigilant and verify all employment offers with legitimate company representatives before making any financial commitments.
