The Financial and Economic Division of the Accra High Court has adjourned the trial involving an alleged Ghana Education Service (GES) recruitment scam to June 18, 2026, pending the determination of a legal issue before the Supreme Court.
The case, Republic v. Ibrahim Kofi Sessah & Another, was called for the commencement of trial when lawyers for the accused persons raised objections based on an earlier High Court ruling concerning the mandate of the prosecuting authority.
Counsel for the accused persons made an oral submission relying on a ruling delivered by Justice Eugene Nyante Nyadu, arguing that the decision had implications for the prosecution of the matter.
However, the prosecution, led by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, opposed the submission and urged the court to dismiss it, insisting that any objection must be brought through the proper legal procedure.
The prosecution further informed the court that an appeal against the High Court ruling had already been filed, together with an application for stay of proceedings.
In its ruling, the court noted that although the issue raised was one of law, the defence was required to invoke the appropriate procedural process, especially since the factual basis of the High Court decision had not been placed before it.
The court also held that it lacked jurisdiction to interpret the Constitution in the manner proposed by the defence.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to June 18, 2026, for case management directions, with the court indicating that the Supreme Court is expected to determine the pending issue before then.
The case centres on an alleged recruitment scam within the Ghana Education Service, in which prospective teachers were allegedly made to pay money in exchange for appointment letters and placements.
According to prosecutors, investigations revealed that between January 2022 and December 2023, more than GH¢6 million was allegedly paid into accounts linked to Ibrahim Kofi Sessah by over 100 teacher applicants seeking employment in the GES.
The prosecution also alleges that the scheme involved intermediaries and some officials who facilitated the collection of money from applicants with promises of securing jobs.
The accused persons are facing charges including the use of public office for profit, bribery-related offences and money laundering. Both accused persons have denied the allegations.
CREDIT: Mavis Fantevi
