channel247 online
Police in Cape Coast have arrested a man for allegedly impersonating a staff member of the Office of the Vice President of Ghana and defrauding unsuspecting victims under the pretext of securing Canadian visas and work permits.
The suspect, who initially identified himself as Dr. Patrick Nelson Ayittey, was apprehended following intelligence gathered by officers of the Ghana Police Service. Investigations later revealed his real name as Patrick Nii Torto.
According to the Central Regional Public Affairs Unit, the suspect falsely claimed he was an employee at the Vice President’s Office, a captain in the Ghana Armed Forces, and had connections with the Canadian Embassy in Ghana.
Chief Inspector Isaac Evans Ettie, speaking on behalf of the Central Regional Police Command, said the Abura Police received complaints from victims who alleged that the suspect collected sums of GHS 5,325 and GHS 8,200 respectively between December 2025 and January 2026. The money was taken under the false promise of facilitating Canadian visas and employment opportunities abroad.
He noted that after receiving the payments, the suspect failed to deliver on his promises and could not refund the monies despite repeated demands from the victims.
Police intelligence subsequently led to his arrest at his hideout in Abura, a suburb of Cape Coast. A search conducted at his residence uncovered about ten Ghanaian passports and several personal documents, including birth certificates, school certificates, and Ghana Cards believed to belong to multiple individuals.
Further investigations established that the suspect was neither a member of the Ghana Armed Forces nor an employee of the Vice President’s Office. Authorities also confirmed he had no affiliation with the Canadian Embassy and did not possess any medical qualifications, contrary to his claims.
The suspect was arraigned before the Cape Coast Circuit Court, presided over by Nana Aba Quiaba Nunoo. He was remanded into police custody to assist with ongoing investigations into other suspected fraudulent activities.
He is expected to reappear before the court on March 3, 2026.
Police have urged members of the public who may have fallen victim to the suspect or have relevant information to contact the police through emergency numbers 18555 or 191 to assist with investigations.
Source: Ghana/channel247online.com/YawBoagyan
