A businesswoman based in Ho, Mary Lolo, has reportedly been defrauded of a staggering GH¢2,435,000 by a 46-year-old man, Koku Amedume Benedictus, who allegedly posed as a Special Aide to the Volta Regional minister and Spokesperson for the School Feeding Programme.
According to documents presented before the Dansoman Circuit Court, Benedictus is facing four counts of defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
False Promises and Fabricated Positions
Benedictus is accused of using false representations to convince the complainant, Mary Lolo, to part with large sums of money under the pretext of supplying her with large quantities of maize and beans at discounted prices. Claiming connections with the School Feeding Programme and key government agencies, Benedictus allegedly gained Lolo’s trust and assured her of bulk deliveries.
The funds were allegedly paid across four transactions between January and March 2025, ranging from GH¢240,000 to GH¢800,000. Each payment was made into a CalBank account bearing the name “K. TITIS ENT,” provided by the accused.
Timeline of Alleged Fraud
3rd January 2025: GH¢500,000
16th January 2025: GH¢600,000
11th February 2025: GH¢240,000
13th March 2025: GH¢800,000
According to the prosecutor, Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, the accused sent photos of stored maize as evidence of successful purchases.
However, when Lolo requested delivery, Benedictus allegedly gave various excuses regarding transportation and logistics.
Eventually, he claimed there were more stocks in Ejura available at a lower cost and requested additional payments.
After the final transfer, Lolo reportedly became suspicious and demanded her goods.
All efforts to retrieve the maize and beans proved futile, prompting her to file a police report.
Court Proceedings
At the Dansoman Circuit Court, presided over by Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah, Benedictus was granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million, with three sureties.
Two of the sureties must be justified and the third must be a Public Servant earning at least GH¢5,000 per month.
The prosecutor, Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, strongly opposed the bail application, arguing that the accused posed a flight risk and that his release could interfere with ongoing investigations. He also stressed the severity of the charges and the amount involved.
However, defense counsel countered that Benedictus had been cooperative during the police inquiry, had not fled, and voluntarily appeared in court. The defense also argued that the case leaned more toward a civil dispute than a criminal one.
Background
The complainant, Mary Lolo, was introduced to the accused through an intermediary after she noticed GH¢170,000 had mysteriously been deducted from her buffer stock account.
Benedictus allegedly presented himself as someone who could help her recover the funds, further strengthening his credibility before launching the maize and beans supply scam.
Benedictus remains on bail as the case continues. Investigations are still underway, and the court has adjourned for further hearing.
