Court remands retired fire officer in alleged GH¢303K fake GNFS recruitment scam

Thomas Dorkenu, a 60-year-old retired fire officer, has been remanded into custody by an Accra Circuit Court over allegations that he defrauded 60 prospective recruits of GH¢303,200 through a fraudulent Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) recruitment scheme. He is facing a charge of defrauding by false pretences. The court, presided over by Mr. Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah, did not take his plea and adjourned the case to August 12, 2026.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Emmanuel Nyamekye stated that Dorkenu allegedly collected money from applicants after claiming he could facilitate their enlistment into the Ghana National Fire Service through protocol arrangements. On February 9, 2026, Dorkenu allegedly approached Ms. Eyram Davordzi-Banini, a midwife, and told her he had secured recruitment slots from the Chief Fire Officer, asking her to mobilise interested applicants. Ms. Davordzi-Banini subsequently mobilised 60 prospective recruits who paid a total of GH¢303,200 to Dorkenu as "approved protocol fees." After receiving the money, Dorkenu allegedly issued appointment letters instructing applicants to report to the Ghana National Fire Service Training School on July 23, 2026, to begin training. However, officials at the training school informed the applicants that the appointment letters were not authentic and no such recruitment arrangements had been approved. The applicants subsequently lodged a complaint with the Chief Fire Officer, prompting investigation.