The Dansoman Circuit Court has remanded a 34-year-old businessman, Augustine Agyei, into police custody for allegedly defrauding six individuals of a total sum of GH¢710,050 under the pretext of supplying them with mineral water.
Agyei, who pleaded not guilty to six counts of defrauding by false pretence, appeared before the court presided over by Her Honour Nancy Teiko.
Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Kwadwo Aboagye prayed the court to remand the accused, arguing that he posed a flight risk and could abscond if granted bail.
The prosecution further noted that investigations were still ongoing and that the accused could interfere with the process if released.
The court granted the prosecution’s request and ordered that Agyei be held in police custody. He is expected to reappear on May 13, 2026.
According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly committed the offences earlier this year within the jurisdiction of the court.
He is said to have presented himself to the complainants as an agent of Awake Mineral Water, claiming he could supply them with large quantities of the product.
Based on this representation, the complainants reportedly handed over various sums of money to the accused.
These included GH¢184,000 from Joshua Ntim, GH¢97,000 from Ebenezer Manaa Mpah, GH¢80,000 from Jocelyn Serwaa Ampofo, GH¢149,000 from Helena Owusu Boakye, GH¢100,050 from Emmanuel Awuah, and GH¢100,000 from Kwame Asante.
The prosecution said after receiving the monies, Agyei failed to deliver the products as promised and subsequently went into hiding.
Police investigations led to his arrest on April 16, 2026. During interrogation, he allegedly admitted to the offence and pleaded with the complainants to allow him time to refund the money.
He has since been charged with defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as investigations continue.
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