A 40-year-old security guard, Samuel Nortey Botchway, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after admitting to stealing €5,600 from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Head Office in Accra.
The Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Isaac Addo, handed down the sentence after Botchway pleaded guilty to unlawful entry and three counts of theft. The sentences will run concurrently.
How the Theft Happened
According to the prosecution, Botchway illegally obtained a universal access card belonging to his supervisor. Using this card, he repeatedly accessed the office of the NHIS Head of Administration, where he stole money kept in a locked drawer.
The thefts occurred across three separate dates:
- €3,300 on May 17
- €1,300 on May 24
- €1,000 on June 19, 2025
The victim, who had secured €5,740 in the drawer before traveling abroad, discovered the money missing upon returning. He installed a hidden CCTV camera, which later captured Botchway entering the office and stealing the cash.
Confession and Use of Stolen Funds
Lead prosecutor Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer stated that after reviewing the CCTV footage, Botchway was arrested. He confessed to the thefts during interrogation, saying he used the stolen money for home improvements, furniture, clothing, school fees, and food.
Although Botchway returned GHS 10,000 as partial repayment, the court noted that the theft involved a clear breach of trust and deliberate planning.
The Court’s Verdict
While Judge Addo recognized that Botchway was a first-time offender and showed remorse, he emphasized the need for a custodial sentence to deter others in similar positions of trust.
Broader Lessons
The case underscores the importance of strong internal security protocols and constant vigilance, even when dealing with trusted personnel.
Source: TheGhanaReport.com
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