Presidential Secretary Dr Callisto Mahama impersonator arrested in job appointment scam

A suspect has been arrested for allegedly impersonating Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to President John Dramani Mahama, and fraudulently promising to secure public appointments in exchange for money.

Dr. Mahama disclosed the development in a Facebook post on Friday, revealing that the arrest followed investigations into the suspect’s activities. According to him, the individual had been falsely presenting himself as someone capable of facilitating appointments on his behalf while demanding payments from unsuspecting members of the public.

A High-Profile Target

Dr. Callistus Mahama is a distinguished academic and public servant who has served as Executive Secretary to the President since January 7, 2025. He holds a PhD in Land Law and an MPhil in Land Economy from the University of Cambridge, as well as a BSc in Land Economy from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Prior to his current role, he served as Head of the Local Government Service and has extensive experience in governance and decentralization.

His high-profile position within the presidency has made him a prime target for fraudsters seeking to exploit his name and reputation.

Growing Pattern of Impersonation Fraud

This arrest is not an isolated incident. In recent months, multiple individuals have been arraigned for impersonating Dr. Mahama in elaborate schemes. In one case, an ex-convict, Nurudeen Abdul Ganew, allegedly collected GHS 50,000 from a paramount chief under the pretext of procuring an auctioned government vehicle. The same individual, along with his two siblings, is accused of defrauding paramount chiefs in the Central Region of over GH¢300,000 through a fictitious government vehicle auction scheme.

The syndicate reportedly used multiple phone numbers, maintained ledgers documenting targets and proceeds, and possessed a database of political party executives across all 16 regions.

Public Warning from the Presidency

Dr. Mahama used the latest arrest to issue a stern warning to the public. “This should serve as a reminder to the public: no one is required to pay money to obtain an appointment. Anyone who demands payment while claiming to act on our behalf is a fraudster,” he stated.

He urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and verify any requests involving employment or appointments through official channels before making any payments. Dr. Mahama further encouraged the public to report individuals engaged in such fraudulent activities to the appropriate security agencies.

“Please do not fall victim to these scams. Stay alert. Stay informed,” he advised.

A Growing Concern

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over employment-related scams in which fraudsters exploit the names of government officials and public figures to extort money from job seekers. Authorities continue to investigate these schemes and urge the public to exercise caution when approached by individuals claiming to have connections to high-ranking government officials.

The Presidency has reiterated that all legitimate appointments and recruitment processes are conducted transparently through established public service channels, and no payment is ever required from applicants.