The Circuit Court at Dansoman, presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, has sentenced Kwabena Atta Kuma, a 40-year-old mason to 90 days in jail for promising to secure a Dubai-based Electrical Engineer, Osei Yeboah Randoffa job overseas, but failed.
Kwabena Atta Kuma was jailed on January 20, 2025 after he pleaded guilty to defrauding by false pretence.
According to the prosecution, Kuma lured Dubai-based Electrical Engineer, Osei Yeboah Randoff into paying GH¢31,500 under the pretence of securing him a visa and job in France.
The scam began in February 2024, when Kwabena Atta Kuma falsely claimed he had job opportunities abroad. Randoff paid the money in instalments into a mobile money account provided by Kuma.
After receiving the funds, Kwabena Atta Kuma directed the complainant to resign from his job in Dubai and travel to Ghana. Kuma later misled Randoff to go to Ivory Coast, where he was informed it was all a scam. Kwabena Atta Kuma even suggested Randoff recruit others to recover his funds, which the complainant refused to do.
Kwabena Atta Kuma was arrested on December 26, 2024 at Achimota, with assistance from bystanders. During investigations, Kuma admitted to the fraud, revealing he acted under the influence of an accomplice, Hamza, who remains at large. GH¢7,000 of the stolen funds was recovered.
In addition to the jail sentence, the court ordered Kwabena Atta Kuma to pay the remaining GH¢24,500 in instalments, over 12 months.
Driver Granted Bail in GH¢210,000 Theft Case
In another case before the court, Bernard Asaakiya, a 30-year-old driver, has been granted bail after being charged with stealing and unlawful entry under Sections 124(1) and 152(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29).
The complainant, Nareswar Singh, an Indian businessman, accused Asaakiya of dishonestly appropriating household and office items worth GH¢210,000 from his home at Cantonments.
The items included three washing machines, two Samsung double-door fridges, 21 office chairs, three air conditioners and five suitcases containing personal effects.
Asaakiya, who was hired by Singh in December 2024, had his probationary employment terminated on January 4, 2025 due to poor performance.
Before leaving, he allegedly stole a key to Singh’s home and used it to enter the house and steal the items. He was caught on January 5, 2025, attempting to steal more items.
During investigations, Asaakiya admitted to stealing a mattress, which he sent to Bolgatanga, and selling an office chair for GH¢200.
Initially denied bail on August 28, 2024, Asaakiya was later granted bail of GH¢220,000 with stringent conditions, including three sureties – two of whom must be public servants, earning at least GH¢2,000 monthly and one backed by immovable property with valid title deeds.
Asaakiya is required to report to the police weekly.The case has been adjourned to March 17, 2025 for further proceedings.
