Court orders arrest of Medical Officer

Accra, April 29, GNA- A Circuit Court in Accra has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Dr Joseph Tetteh, medical officer of the 37 Military Hospital and one Nii Jacob Okpelor Mensah, a businessman for allegedly defrauding a pensioner of 101 million cedis. The two were accused of collecting the money meant for the sale of four plots of land.

Dr Tetteh and his accomplice Mensah who have been charged with conspiracy and defrauding by false pretences were absent in court when the case was called on Wednesday April 28, even though the prosecution said they were notified to appear before the court on Thursday. The court, chaired by Mr Anthony Oppong therefore gave the order for their arrest.

Prosecuting Inspector Bennett Sarfo said the complainant Mr Kofi Ntiamoah, was a pensioner residing at East Legon, in Accra. Prosecution said in April 2001, Dr Tetteh bargained with Mr Ntiamoah for the sale of four plots of land at 25 million cedis per plot. Mr Ntiamoah paid 101 million cedis as part payment to Dr Tetteh after which he issued a receipt.

Mr Ntiamoah was taken to the site and Dr Tetteh demarcated the four plots to him. Later, when Mr Ntiamoah began to work on the land, he met a group of men also working on the same land.

Prosecution said Mr Ntiamoah approached Dr Tetteh who also directed him to Mensah whom he claimed was among the landowners. When Mr Ntiamoah confronted Mensah, he stated that though he was a signatory to the indenture given to the complainant, he was not aware that Dr Tetteh collected 101 million cedis from him (Mr Ntiamoah). Prosecution said Dr Tetteh insisted that he also offered the money to Mensah who has also denied collecting any money from Dr Tetteh.

The complainant therefore reported the matter to the police.