The Circuit Court in Accra, presided over by Samuel Bright Acquah has granted bail to Hamza Ali, a 47-year-old businessman, in the sum of GH¢2 million.
The bail conditions require three sureties, one of whom must justify with landed property worth the bail sum.
Additionally, the accused must deposit his identity card with the court registry. The case has been adjourned to October 21, 2024.
Charge: Defrauding by False Pretence
Hamza Ali faces charges of defrauding by false pretence under Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
According to the prosecution led by Chief Inspector Daniel Danku, Ali is alleged to have defrauded another businessman, Gideon Oppong, of US$105,000.00 by falsely promising to exchange the amount for its cedi equivalent of GH¢1,627,500.00.
Details of the Offence
The incident occurred on May 23, 2024, at the Accra Business Centre. The complainant, Gideon Oppong, approached the accused, who was said to be involved in the forex bureau business, seeking assistance in converting US dollars.
Ali allegedly provided a foreign bank account number in the United States, instructing Oppong’s business partner to deposit US$105,000.00.
After confirming the payment, Ali promised to provide the cedi equivalent to Oppong, but failed to do so.
Subsequent efforts to reach Ali were unsuccessful, and he reportedly went into hiding.
Arrest and Investigation
On July 18, 2024 Oppong lodged a formal complaint with the police. Five days later, Ali was arrested.
During police questioning, the accused admitted to the offence, claiming that the account provided belonged to a friend named Emmanuel, whom he was still attempting to contact.
The investigation into the case is ongoing.
