Retired fire officer remanded over alleged GH¢303,200 recruitment scam  

Thomas Dorkenu, a 60-year-old retired fire officer, was remanded into custody by an Accra Circuit Court over allegations that he defrauded 60 prospective recruits of GH¢303,200 in a fake Ghana National Fire Service recruitment scheme. The court did not take his plea, and the case was adjourned to Aug. 12, 2026.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Emmanuel Nyamekye, prosecuting, told the court that Dorkenu allegedly collected the money after claiming he could secure enlistment into the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) through protocol arrangements. Dorkenu allegedly informed Ms Eyram Davordzi-Banini, a midwife, on Feb. 9, 2026, that he had secured recruitment slots from the Chief Fire Officer and asked her to mobilize prospective applicants. Ms Davordzi-Banini mobilized 60 applicants and paid GH¢303,200 to Dorkenu as approved protocol fees. Dorkenu subsequently issued purported appointment letters directing applicants to report to the Ghana National Fire Service Training School on July 23, 2026, but the letters were not genuine. Applicants lodged a complaint, leading to investigations and Dorkenu's arrest, and he was handed over to the Police with a Tecno Spark C30 mobile phone.