Ghanaian Hiplife musician, Belinda Nana Ekua Amoah, popularly known as Mzbel, has become the latest victim of a high-profile fraud scheme involving a promise of overseas employment for Ghanaian youth.
The case was brought before the Accra Circuit Court on Thursday, June 5, 2025, presided over by His Honour Jojo Amoah Hagan.
The court heard that Mzbel was defrauded of GH¢829,637.00 and £30,028.53 by a syndicate led by Janice Inez Mensah, who is currently at large.
Two alleged accomplices, Japheth Tete Mensah, aged 44, a driver, and Bernard Boakye Boateng, aged 34, a hotelier, have both been arrested and arraigned.
They face charges of abetment of crime namely defrauding by false pretences, contrary to Sections 20(1) and 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Both accused pleaded not guilty and have been granted bail to Japheth Tete Mensah – GH¢100,000 bail and Bernard Boakye Boateng – GH¢500,000 bail.
Each is to present two sureties, with at least one surety to be justified with title deeds.
The Scheme
According to facts presented by DSP Emmanuel Nyamekye, Janice Inez Mensah, a UK-based Ghanaian and long-time friend of Mzbel, proposed a scheme to help young Ghanaians secure employment in the United Kingdom in fields such as caregiving, salon work, and construction.
Mzbel, believing in the authenticity of the offer, advertised the opportunity through her Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram platforms, ultimately mobilizing 26 of her followers.
Between March and May 2025, Mzbel and the recruited individuals transferred large sums of money to Janice and her associates.
Investigations by Detective Sergeant James Kwesi Turkson revealed that GH¢447,590.00 was deposited into the account of Bernard Boakye Boateng and GH¢75,443.00 was deposited into the account of Japheth Tete Mensah.
These funds were later withdrawn or disbursed without any jobs being secured for the applicants. Japheth Tete Mensah has since refunded GH¢10,000.00 to the police as investigations continue.
The Charges
The court has brought three main counts against the accused:
Count 1: Japheth Tete Mensah is accused of abetting Janice Inez Mensah to defraud Mzbel of GH¢75,433.33
Count 2: Bernard Boakye Boateng is accused of abetting Janice to defraud Mzbel of GH¢447,590.00
Count 3: Janice Inez Mensah, the principal suspect (currently at large), is accused of defrauding Mzbel by false pretences to obtain GH¢829,637.00 and £30,028.53
What’s Next
The court adjourned the case to July 14, 2025, for further investigations and proceedings. Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend Janice Inez Mensah, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Mzbel has not yet issued a public statement following the court hearing but is believed to be cooperating fully with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
