A 55-year-old Forensic Accountant, Joseph Lawrence Ashun, has been arraigned before the Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a travel and tour operator of US$8,000 under the pretext of securing a United States visa.
Joseph Ashun appeared before Circuit Court 8, Accra, presided over by His Honour Jojo Amoah Hagan, on a charge of defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
He was admitted to self-recognisance bail in the sum of GH¢10,000 and the case was adjourned to February 3, 2026.
Prosecution’s Case
According to the prosecution, led by ASP Issah Acquah, the complainant, Josiah Eshun, is a travel and tour operator residing at Weija, while the accused, Joseph Lawrence Ashun, is a Forensic Accountant living at Trasacco Valley, Adjiringanor.
The court heard that sometime in September 2022, the accused contacted the complainant via WhatsApp, introducing himself as a staff of the Office of the President with strong connections to the seat of government.
He allegedly claimed that through his association with foreign dignitaries, he could facilitate the acquisition of protocol visas for people wishing to travel abroad.
The complainant, convinced by the representation, informed the accused that he had two clients interested in travelling to the United States of America.
The accused reportedly charged US$30,000, equivalent to GH¢372,000, for the arrangement.
The prosecution said the accused demanded and collected an initial deposit of US$8,000 equivalent to GH¢99,200 to commence the visa process, assuring the complainant that it would be completed within one month.
However, Joseph Ashun allegedly failed to deliver on his promise after the agreed period. As a result, the complainant reported the matter to the police.
Arrest and Investigations
Following investigations, the accused was arrested. In his caution statement, Joseph Ashun admitted receiving the money, but claimed he handed it over to an alleged accomplice, Mark Nelson, also known as Key.
The prosecution noted that the accused was unable to produce the said accomplice or provide credible details to assist police investigations.
Although Joseph Ashun claimed the matter involving the accomplice had been reported to the Adenta District Police Station, he could not disclose the name of the investigator handling that case.
During investigations, an amount of US$2,000 equivalent to GH¢24,800 was retrieved from the accused and returned to the complainant.
After concluding investigations, police charged Ashun accordingly and brought him before the court.
The matter is expected to continue on February 3, 2026 when the accused will reappear before the court.
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