The Akatsi Police have apprehended Madam Caroline Gifty Tsikata, a 39-year-old mother of two, on charges of defrauding members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Akatsi South constituency, per reports by GNA.
The arrest came after Mr. Samuel K Adabla, the Volta Regional Chairman of the United Cadres Front (UCF), a group affiliated with the NDC, raised an alarm regarding the alleged impersonation and fraudulent activities of the suspect.
According to Mr. Adabla, the suspect had been falsely representing herself as the Regional Coordinator for the Young Cadres Front (YCF) of the UCF in Volta. He emphasized that Madam Caroline Gifty Tsikata had no official position within the organization and should be regarded as an imposter.
Furthermore, Mr. Adabla clarified that UCF Volta had not designated the suspect to act on its behalf in any capacity, especially not to solicit funds or distribute forms for financial assistance.
The arrest took place on Wednesday, as Constituency Executives of NDC in Akatsi South acted on a tip-off. The suspect, who resides in Tema Community 25, confessed during police interrogation that she had been operating across various constituencies in Volta, including Akatsi South, Kpando, Keta, South Tongu, Ho, and others for her alleged financial dealings.
Madam Caroline Gifty Tsikata also admitted to collecting an undisclosed sum of money from unsuspecting NDC members with the promise of providing them with various forms of financial aid.
Victims, such as Mr. John Atigode, a teacher in Akatsi, and Mr. Zigah Kofi Felix, reported sums of GHC2400 and GHC1600 respectively taken from them by the suspect.
A subsequent investigation by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) uncovered a list containing the names of over a hundred NDC members in Akatsi South who had dealings with the suspect.
This revelation has prompted concerns from other party members across different constituencies who may have also fallen prey to the suspect’s alleged scheme.
The Police in Akatsi have confirmed the arrest and stated, “She was arraigned and rearrested to aid in further investigations,” according to a police source.