A 41-year-old businessman, Richard Kwasi Afari, has been arraigned before the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly failing to honor a GH¢255,000.00 payment to a travel and tour agent who secured a U.S. visa for his wife.
As a result, Afari is facing two counts of issuing false cheques, contrary to Section 313(A)(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
He allegedly issued two UMB Bank cheques worth GH¢170,000.00 and GH¢85,000.00 to Richard Owusu, a travel and tour operator, despite lacking sufficient funds in his account.
Court Proceedings
Afari pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail of GH¢270,000.00 with three sureties.
The court, presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, ordered that all sureties must be public servants earning at least GH¢5,000.00 per month and must be justified.
Additionally, the accused was required to deposit his Ghana Card at the court registry and report to the police every two weeks until further notice.
The Prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Kwadwo Aboagye, was directed to file all disclosures and witness statements.
The case has been adjourned to April 4, 2025.
Case Background
According to the Prosecution, the complainant, Richard Owusu, operates a travel and tour business at Dzorwulu, Accra, while the accused resides at Haatso.
In August 2024, Afari approached Owusu for assistance in securing a U.S. visa for his wife, Akosua Agyeman Abrokwah.
Owusu agreed to facilitate the process for a fee of $15,000, equivalent to GH¢255,000.00 at the time.
Afari then issued two post-dated UMB Bank cheques to cover the payment. After successfully acquiring the visa, Owusu presented the cheques for clearance, but both were dishonored due to insufficient funds. Following the failed transaction, Owusu reported the matter to the police, leading to Afari’s arrest.
During investigations, Afari was granted police inquiry bail but allegedly jumped bail and went into hiding.
He was later served with a criminal summons on January 3, 2025, to appear before the court.
Afari is expected to face trial as legal proceedings continue.
