The Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Ghana, Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, recently shared a personal experience that unveiled the alarming sophistication of mobile money fraud perpetrated by inmates within the Nsawam Medium Security Prison. The IGP himself became a target, receiving a call from a fraudster who attempted to manipulate him into revealing sensitive information that would have compromised his mobile money account. The caller, employing a deceptively pleasant tone, instructed the IGP to dial a specific code. Recognizing the potential danger of complying with this request, the IGP astutely questioned the caller’s identity and intentions. The fraudster, realizing his scheme had been exposed, resorted to insults before abruptly ending the call. Subsequent investigations traced the call’s origin to Nsawam Prison, confirming suspicions that inmates were behind such fraudulent activities.
This incident highlights a growing trend of mobile money fraud orchestrated from within prison walls, targeting unsuspecting individuals across Ghana. The IGP recounted another instance where a prominent Ghanaian citizen was threatened with death unless a ransom of ₵100,000 was paid. The distressed victim sought the IGP’s assistance, and upon tracing the threatening call, it was also linked back to Nsawam Prison. These cases are not isolated incidents but rather indicative of a systemic problem within the prison system, where inmates leverage mobile technology to execute elaborate scams.
The modus operandi of these prison-based fraudsters often involves the use of manipulative tactics and psychological pressure to coerce victims into parting with their money. They frequently employ sound effects, such as simulated police sirens, to create a sense of urgency and fear. In some cases, victims are falsely informed that a relative has been arrested and require immediate bail money. The IGP recounted instances where fraudsters would play siren sounds in the background while claiming a relative of the victim was in police custody, demanding money for their release.
The prevalence of these scams necessitates increased vigilance among the public. The IGP strongly urged citizens to exercise caution and to report suspicious calls or messages to the police immediately. He emphasized the importance of verifying the caller’s identity and location before divulging any personal information or making any financial transactions. He advised the public to prioritize confirming the caller’s whereabouts and reporting any suspicious communication to the authorities for immediate investigation and tracing.
The disconcerting aspect of this situation is that some of the perpetrators involved in these scams are already serving lengthy prison sentences, ranging from 15 to 18 years. This raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures within the prison system and the ability to prevent inmates from engaging in criminal activities while incarcerated. The IGP expressed concern over the limitations of punitive measures for inmates already serving extensive sentences, questioning what further penalties could be imposed on those who continue to commit crimes from within prison.
The revelation of these sophisticated mobile money scams operating from within Nsawam Prison underscores the need for a comprehensive review of security protocols and procedures. It highlights vulnerabilities in the prison system’s ability to control inmates’ access to communication technology and prevent their involvement in criminal activity while serving their sentences. The issue extends beyond individual cases and reveals a systemic challenge that demands a robust response to protect the public from these increasingly prevalent forms of fraud. The IGP’s personal encounter and the experiences of other victims highlight the urgency of addressing this issue and implementing effective strategies to combat this growing threat.
