The financial division of an Accra High Court has sentenced a 46-year old accountant, Fank Eshun to 20 years imprisonment.

Mr Eshun was convicted for defrauding the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) of GHC 1,671,244.

Mr. Eshun is said to have forged a statement indicating that he has been posted by the National Service Secretariat to undertake his service at BOST.

With his degree from the University of Ghana, Eshun was posted to the accounts department of the company, Joy News’ Kwakye Afreh Nuamah reported from court.

Five accomplices including a pastor are also standing trial.

Eshun bought five luxurious cars with his share of the booty, and gave about GHc200,000 to his wife Bernice.

Counsel for the convict, Captain (rtd) Nkrabea Effah-Dartey told Joy News the 20-year jail term came as a surprise to him.

He said his client changed his plea to guilty yesterday only to be handed down a harsh sentence today.

“Looking at the penalty that the court imposed upon the accused I am surprised because the court said that for all the misdemeanours he should go to prison for two years. But for the second-degree felony of conspiracy and stealing the court sentenced my client to 20 years imprisonment, which I think is on the high side.”

He said he has advised his client that the sentence is “harsh” and would be waiting for instructions from him to file notices of appeal.