A National Service Personnel assigned to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court over allegations that he illegally transferred more than GH¢308,000 from a colleague's Mobile Money merchant account.

The accused, Ebenezer Ghartey, denied a charge of stealing after entering a not guilty plea before the court, presided over by Mrs Emmanuella Sarah Asmah.

Presenting the facts, prosecutor Inspector Frank Morgan Dorvi told the court that Ghartey is alleged to have carried out a series of unauthorised Mobile Money transfers from the MTN merchant account of a DVLA Administrative Officer into his personal Mobile Money account.

The court granted the accused bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with three sureties, all of whom must reside within the court's jurisdiction.

As part of the bail conditions, one surety is required to provide landed property valued at not less than the bail amount, while another must be a public servant earning a minimum monthly salary of GH¢5,000.

The court also directed Ghartey to report to the lead investigator every Monday and Friday until the case is determined. Proceedings have been adjourned to August 4, 2026.

According to the prosecution, the complainant, whose identity has been withheld, supervises the accused at the DVLA, where he is undertaking his national service.

Investigators said the complainant became suspicious on May 22, 2026, after discovering an unexplained withdrawal of GH¢3,000 from her MTN merchant account.

A review of transaction records obtained from MTN allegedly traced the transfer to Ghartey's Mobile Money account.

Further investigations reportedly uncovered additional unauthorised transfers made between March 31 and May 20, 2026, bringing the total amount allegedly diverted to GH¢308,300.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Cantonments Police, leading to the arrest of the accused.

The prosecution told the court that during police interrogation, Ghartey allegedly admitted using part of the money to pay his rent because he was not receiving a salary during his national service.

Investigators further alleged that the funds were used to purchase several household items, including a Hyundai Elantra saloon car, a 50-inch Samsung television, furniture, an air conditioner, a washing machine, a dining set, a carpet and a television stand.

The prosecution also claimed that part of the money was used to pay a sibling's school fees.

According to the prosecution, Ghartey admitted to the offence in his caution statement, a matter that will be tested during the trial.