In a shocking turn of events, a 38-year-old student from the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Isaac Sumatu, recently found himself on the wrong side of the law. Sumatu, who posed as a gynaecologist at the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), managed to extort money from a teacher by offering her a concoction of medications.
As a result, he was sentenced to a fine of GH¢12,000 by the Ho Circuit Court, which he failed to pay, leading to a two-year jail term at the Ho Central Prison.
The incident unfolded on September 15, 2023, when Sumatu approached a woman at the hospital, seeking a private conversation. However, the lady declined, expressing her lack of familiarity with him.
Undeterred, Sumatu introduced himself as “Dr. Edward, a gynaecologist at the facility,” and proceeded to make alarming claims about her abdominal health.
Sumatu falsely diagnosed the woman with a severe condition, warning that her womb was at risk of becoming blocked, potentially preventing her from conceiving in the future. He instructed her to return to the hospital the following day for treatment, during which he would confirm the availability of necessary medications.
On the agreed-upon day, Sumatu contacted the woman by phone, assuring her that the prescribed medications were in stock. He requested GH¢200 and a bottle of water to facilitate the mixing of the treatment.
When she arrived, Sumatu led her to the hospital’s blood bank, where he offered her a mysterious mixture, later identified as a combination of Vitamin C and paracetamol tablets, to drink.
Suspicions arose when the teacher realized that doctors typically did not conduct consultations with patients in the blood bank. Upon inquiry at the hospital, she discovered that there was no gynaecologist by the name of Dr. Edward. Concerned and rightfully alarmed, she promptly reported the incident to the police.
Isaac Sumatu, the impersonator, was apprehended on September 18, 2023, while loitering at the hospital. During his caution statement, Sumatu admitted to introducing himself as Dr. Edward and administering the mixture of Vitamin C and paracetamol to the unsuspecting victim.
In a court presided over by Felix Datsomor, Sumatu pleaded guilty with an explanation to the charge of practicing medicine without proper registration. However, the court found that Sumatu’s explanation was consistent with his plea, leading to the sentencing decision.
Inspector Benjamin Amoako, who prosecuted the case, successfully demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt that Sumatu had committed the fraudulent act of impersonating a doctor and exploiting the victim for financial gain.
Source: GESHub.org
