Teacher remanded for stealing NHIS premium

Juaso (Ash), Aug 31, GNA- The Juaso Circuit Court has remanded into prison custody, a 27-year-old teacher who could not account for GH=A21,800 (18 million cedis) collected as premium for the Asante-Akim South District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme (DMHIS). Kwadwo Akuguri, who pleaded guilty with explanation to one count of stealing, said he invested the money in a business since his commission was not forthcoming.

He was therefore convicted on his own plea, but sentence was deferred to September 4.

Police Chief Inspector Kippo Iddrissu Mahama, prosecuting, told the court presided over by Mr Jacob Boon that the complainant, Mr Owusu Kodua, was the Scheme Manager of the DMHIS whereas the accused was a teacher.

He said in January 2004, Akuguri was engaged by the scheme as a collection agent with the responsibility of collecting premiums from subscribers for a commission of 10 per cent of the total amount collected.

On August 18 this year, when the records of the accused was audited following some discrepancies, it was discovered that he had collected a total amount of GH=A22,800 (28 million cedis) but could only account for GH=A21,000 (10 million cedis) leaving an outstanding balance of GH=A21,800 (18 million cedis).

When confronted, Akuguri admitted misappropriating the money and pleaded for time to refund it, but he was handed over to the police who after investigations charged him with the offence. 31 Aug 07