The Office of the National Chief Imam disowned some individuals posing as officials engaged an alleged visa racketeering scheme.
In a statement, Advisory Board for the Office of the Chief Imam, revealed the criminal activities are carried out by questionable characters who exploit the name and image of the National Chief Imam for their personal gains.
Speaking to the activities of the said individuals, the statement related to a fabricated narrative claiming that the Chief Imam was ill and required medical attention in the United States. The scammers allegedly using the claim compiled a list of nine visa applicants, including the Chief Imam and submitted to the US embassy.
“In their display of bamboozlement, these characters fabricated a narrative featuring His Eminence as a sick person in need of medical attention in the US,” the board said in the statement.
According to the Advisory Board, the group described as a “Gang of Eight”, further impersonated officials within the Chief Imam’s office.
“What is more disgusting to the Advisory Board is that the ‘Gang of Eight’ impersonated some office holders in the outfit of the National Chief Imam,” the statement noted.
It cited instances where an individual identified as Abdur Rahman Umar Farooq, also known as “Paa,” allegedly presented himself as Secretary to the Chief Imam, while another person was said to have impersonated a known bodyguard.
The office has consequently warned it cannot be held liable for any actions arising from the scheme devised by the said individuals in the name of the Chief Imam.
“In case of any immigration violation by any of the suspicious characters and their assigns, the Office of the National Chief Imam cannot be held responsible,” it stressed.
The Advisory Board has called on the United States Embassy in Ghana to treat the matter with urgency, while also urging the Ghana Police Service, particularly its Criminal Investigation Department, to conduct a thorough investigation.
The board has further cautioned embassies, high commissions, and consulates to remain vigilant and deal with the individuals involved in accordance with diplomatic protocols.
