A 70-year-old businessman, Adams Afful, has been appeared before the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a trader of GH¢20,000 under the pretext of securing an earlier U.S. visa appointment date for her daughter.
Adams Afful, who resides at Breman Bedum, in the Central Region, is facing a charge of defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). He has pleaded not guilty before Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit.
The court heard that the Complainant, Lantana Sani, a trader living at New Fadama, a suburb of Accra, was introduced to the accused through a mutual acquaintance, Eric Nyame, in November 2023.
Adams Afful allegedly claimed his daughter in the United States had two children who needed a Caregiver, prompting Eric Nyame to recommend Sani’s daughter, Suwab Bawa, for the opportunity.
In January 2024, Adams Afful reportedly accompanied the complainant and her daughter to the U.S. Embassy in Accra, where a visa processing form was purchased and an interview date was scheduled for October 9, 2024.
Adams Afful is said to have expressed dissatisfaction with the date, claiming he had contacts at the embassy, who could reschedule the appointment to an earlier time.
He allegedly demanded and received GH¢20,000 from the complainant to facilitate the rescheduling.
However, after receiving the money, Adams Afful failed to deliver on his promise and became unreachable, prompting Sani to file a police complaint.
During investigations, Adams Afful is said to have admitted to the offence and promised to refund the money within a month, a promise he failed to fulfill. He was subsequently charged and brought before the court.
He has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢300,000 with two sureties – one of whom must be a Public Servant and the other justified. Additionally, the accused is required to deposit his Ghana Card with the court registry.
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Portia Nuarko, has been directed to file all disclosures and witness statements.
The case has been adjourned to a later date for continuation
