Fake Vice Presidential Staffer arrested over GHS13,000 fraud

Police in the Central Region have arrested a man accused of impersonating a staff member at the Vice President’s Office and defrauding unsuspecting victims of more than GHS13,000 under the pretext of securing Canadian visas and work permits.

The suspect, identified as Patrick Nelson Ayittey, was picked up by officers from the Abura Police Station in Cape Coast after several complaints were lodged against him between December 2025 and January 2026.

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According to a police statement issued on Tuesday, February 17, the suspect allegedly presented himself not only as a staff member at the Vice President’s Office but also as a Captain in the Ghana Armed Forces. He further claimed to have connections with the Canadian Embassy, a move investigators say was intended to win the confidence of his victims and make his scheme appear legitimate.

Police investigations revealed that the suspect collected GHS5,325.00 from one victim and GHS8,200.00 from another. He reportedly assured them that he could facilitate travel arrangements to Canada and promised to refund the money if the process failed. However, the promised visas and work permits never materialised.

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Following intelligence gathered by the police, officers tracked him to his hideout in Abura, a suburb of Cape Coast, where he was arrested.

A search conducted at his residence led to the discovery of approximately 10 Ghanaian passports. Officers also retrieved several personal documents believed to belong to different individuals. These included school certificates, birth certificates and Ghana Cards, raising further concerns about the extent of the alleged fraud.

Further checks by investigators established that the suspect had never been enlisted in the Ghana Armed Forces and had no affiliation with the Vice President’s Office or the Canadian Embassy. Authorities also determined that his real name is Patrick Nii Torto.

Police added that the suspect is neither a medical doctor nor holds a doctorate degree, contrary to his use of the title “Dr.” as part of his assumed identity.

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He was subsequently arraigned before the Cape Coast Circuit Court, presided over by Her Worship Nana Aba Quiaba Nunoo. After proceedings, the court remanded him into police custody.

The court also directed the suspect to assist with ongoing investigations into other similar complaints that may be linked to him. He is expected to reappear before the court on March 3, 2026, as investigations continue.

Police have urged members of the public to be cautious when dealing with individuals who claim to have connections to government offices or foreign embassies, especially in matters relating to travel and employment opportunities abroad.