A 64-year-old businessman, Dampty Botchwey, has pleaded guilty to charges of fraudulent land transactions, contrary to Section 277(2)(c) of the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036).
The case, which involves conflicting land grants to multiple parties, was heard before the Circuit court, Accra presided over by Samuel Bright Acquah. Botchwey was granted bail of GH¢800,000.00 with three sureties, one to be justified. The trial judge granted bail after hearing arguments from both the defense and prosecution, led by State Attorney Joyce Yinsoma Tindana.
The Case
The facts, as presented in court, revealed that the complainant, Chen Shuying, a Chinese national and businesswoman residing in Osu, sought to purchase land for a warehouse project in January 2023. She was introduced to the accused by one Nii Boye Dzor. Botchwey subsequently offered her a 0.77-acre parcel of land at Odorkor Terrazzo in the Greater Accra Region for GH¢2,000,000.00.
The complainant, who could not make a lump sum payment, arranged with the accused to pay in installments. Between January 2023 and February 2024, she had paid a total of GH¢794,500.00. Botchwey then prepared an indenture in the name of the complainant’s son, James Tang, and handed it over to her.
However, in January 2024, Shuying discovered that the land had been resold to another entity, Union Beverages Company, after finding workers at the site. Attempts to resolve the issue with the accused proved futile as Botchwey allegedly offered repeated excuses without addressing the matter.
The complainant subsequently filed a formal report with the police on March 7, 2023, leading to the arrest and arraignment of the accused.
Legal Proceedings
During the bail hearing, the prosecution opposed the application, citing the gravity of the offense and the amount of money involved. However, the defense argued that the accused was not a flight risk and deserved bail as the trial was ongoing. The court admitted Botchwey to bail under strict conditions, ensuring his availability for trial.
