Five Nsutaman Catholic SHS Graduates Remanded Over Alleged Theft of GH¢50,000 School Funds
Five senior high school graduates of Nsutaman Catholic Senior High School have been remanded into police custody by a Circuit Court at Nsuta in the Ashanti Region over the alleged theft of GH¢50,000 belonging to the school.
The accused persons, who are all from the school in the Sekyere Central District, are alleged to have taken part in a series of thefts involving money generated from student activities and fundraising events.
Court Remands Students for Two Weeks
The court ordered the five accused persons to remain in police custody for two weeks. It also issued a bench warrant for a sixth suspect, identified as 19-year-old Amponsah Francis, who failed to appear before the court on Wednesday.
According to prosecutors, the stolen money belonged to Nsutaman Catholic Senior High School. The funds had been kept in the office of the Senior Housemistress, Madam Norberta Kurugu.
How the Alleged Theft Happened
Chief Inspector C.K. Gyesi told the court that investigations showed that some of the accused persons first gained access to the Senior Housemistress’s office in February. They allegedly tore a protective net covering a window and reached inside to steal cash left on a table.
Prosecutors said other students later became aware of the theft and allegedly joined subsequent operations. They reportedly used the same route to take more money from the office.
April Break-In Through the Ceiling
A more organised break-in was allegedly carried out on 11 April. Prosecutors said some of the suspects entered the building through the ceiling of adjoining classrooms before accessing the office.
They allegedly stole cash from a drawer during the incident. Two students who were studying nearby reportedly witnessed part of the incident and later informed school authorities.
Police Investigations and Recovery
The report from the two students triggered a police investigation into the matter. According to the prosecution, several suspects allegedly admitted involvement during police questioning and also implicated others in the scheme.
Authorities have so far recovered GH¢33,500 after families of the accused agreed to refund part of the stolen money. The total amount allegedly stolen was reported as GH¢50,000.
Money Came from SRC Week and Fundraising Activities
The prosecution told the court that the money was made up of proceeds from the school’s SRC Week celebrations and fundraising activities.
The accused persons, whose pleas have not yet been taken, were initially released to allow them to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Case Adjourned to 8 July
The court has adjourned the case to 8 July. The students are expected to enter their pleas when the case resumes.
One suspect remains at large and is being sought by the police.
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