A security guard stole €5,600 from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Head Office in Accra. An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced him to seven years imprisonment.
Samuel Nortey Botchway, 40, pleaded guilty to unlawful entry and three counts of stealing. The court, presided over by Isaac Addo, ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
Botchway admitted to stealing a universal entry card from his superior. He used it to access the victim’s office. He took the money in three separate incidents.
He returned GH¢10,000 to the police. He used the rest to refurbish his room and buy a refrigerator. He also bought a television, clothes, and shoes. Additionally, he paid school fees and spent on food and drinks.
The thefts were uncovered after the victim installed a CCTV camera in his office following earlier incidents.
The footage showed Botchway stealing from the office.
In delivering the sentence, the judge, Mr. Isaac Addo, acknowledged Botchway’s status as a first-time offender, his guilty plea, and partial restitution.
The court stressed the premeditated nature of the crime. It emphasized the betrayal of trust. The court noted that the offence warranted a deterrent sentence.
Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer led the prosecution. He told the court that the victim was the Head of Administration at NHIS. The victim had stored €5,740 in a drawer before travelling abroad.
On May 17 and May 24, 2025, he noticed thefts of €3,300 and €1,300, respectively. On June 19, after installing a hidden camera, a further €1,000 was found missing, leaving only €40.
