Emmanuel Sakyi Afriyie, a former contract staff member at Absa Bank, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison with hard labour for embezzling over GHC 1.2 million from customers.
The High Court in Accra convicted him on multiple charges, including fraudulent electronic fund transfers, stealing, unauthorized interference with electronic records, and money laundering, following a full trial where he denied the accusations.
Afriyie’s scheme involved manipulating customer Visa cards to siphon funds, which he planned to enjoy abroad.
His arrest took place on June 4, 2023, at Kotoka International Airport as he attempted to flee to Dubai with his girlfriend.
The foiled escape marked the end of his illicit activities, which had gone undetected until then.
The court’s ruling, with sentences running concurrently, ensures Afriyie will serve a maximum of 10 years.
This case underscores the severe consequences of financial crimes in Ghana’s banking sector and serves as a warning to others tempted by similar acts of greed.
Absa Bank, while not directly implicated, may face scrutiny over its internal security measures, given the breach occurred under a contract worker’s watch.
Meanwhile, his girlfriend, Cecil Nyamesem Agyarkwa, who was initially charged with conspiracy to steal, was acquitted and discharged due to insufficient evidence linking him to the crime.
Afriyie’s conviction highlights the judiciary’s firm stance on tackling fraud and protecting customers in an era of increasing electronic transactions.
The substantial sum stolen over GHC 1.2 million, reflects the scale of his betrayal of trust, both to the bank and its clients. As he begins his decade-long sentence, the case leaves a lasting lesson on accountability and the risks of exploiting financial systems for personal gain.
