A retired Fire Officer, Thomas Dorkenu, 60, has landed in hot water over an alleged enlistment scam involving 60 applicants. Dorkenu is accused of collecting GH¢303,200 from the applicants on the pretext of securing their enlistment into the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) through protocol allocation.
Accusations of Defrauding by False Pretences
Thomas Dorkenu, who appeared before the Accra Circuit Court for the second time, pleaded not guilty to a charge of defrauding by false pretences. The prosecution, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Emmanuel Nyamekye, opposed the application for bail and requested an additional two weeks to complete the investigation.
Dorkenu was granted bail with two sureties, and the case was adjourned to September 24, 2026. The prosecution argued that Dorkenu, having served in the GNFS for many years, knew that 60 protocol slots could not be allocated to one person.
Defence Counsel's Plea for Bail
The defence counsel, however, urged the court to grant bail, saying Dorkenu had been in Police custody since his arrest on July 28, 2026. Counsel said Dorkenu was first put before the court on August 3, 2026, and remanded into lawful custody.
The defence counsel disputed the assertion that Dorkenu lived at Ashongman Estates, saying instead that he resided in the Volta Region. However, the prosecution said the complainant was the Chief Fire Officer of the GNFS, and Dorkenu resided at Ashongman Estates.
Investigation into the Scam
The prosecution said one of the alleged victims, Eyram Davordzi-Banini, a midwife resident in Akatsi, was approached by Dorkenu on February 9, 2026. Dorkenu told Eyram that he had secured enlistment slots from the complainant and asked her to mobilise prospective applicants for recruitment into the GNFS.
The prosecution said Eyram mobilised 60 applicants and, on their behalf, paid GH¢303,200 to Dorkenu. The amount was allegedly represented as the approved fee for protocol charges fixed by the complainant.
Aftermath of the Scam
The applicants subsequently went to the office of the Chief Fire Officer to complain, where it emerged that they had allegedly been defrauded. Dorkenu was arrested by the complainant and handed over to the Police together with a Techno Spark C30 smartphone believed to have been used in the alleged offence.
The prosecution said a caution statement was obtained from Dorkenu in the presence of an independent witness, during which he admitted the offence and claimed that he was also a victim of a scam scheme allegedly involving a Telecel number.
What Happens Next
The case has been adjourned to September 24, 2026, for further investigation. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Police are working together to unravel the scam and bring those responsible to justice. The accused, Thomas Dorkenu, is currently out on bail pending the outcome of the investigation.
Source: Joy Online
