The Dansoman Circuit Court has heard how a 44-year-old miner, John Kingsford Numuah, allegedly defrauded a UK-based Ghanaian businesswoman, Doris Hemmerling of GH¢73,000.00 under the pretence of purchasing materials to develop her building at Oyibi.
Numuah, who has been charged with fraud by false pretence and threat of harm, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court granted him bail of GH¢80,000.00 with three sureties, all of whom must be public servants earning not less than GH¢2,000.00 and residing within the court’s jurisdiction.
Additionally, Numuah is required to deposit his Ghana Card with the court Registry and report to the police station every two weeks.
Prosecutor, Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, told the court that in August 2024, Numuah convinced Hemmerling to part with GH¢73,000.00 under the pretence of purchasing building materials for her project.
However, instead of fulfilling his promise, Numuah invested the money in another business and presented fake payment receipts, purportedly issued by K. Ofori Company Limited.
Hemmerling later discovered from the company that it had no record of any dealings with Numuah.
This revelation led her to instruct her daughter, Elizabeth Akasi Newton, to demand a refund of the money.
Threat of Harm
The prosecution further revealed that Numuah, upon being confronted, became offended and sent an audio recording to Newton, threatening that “If you continue asking for the money, I will deal with you.”
The threat caused fear and panic, prompting Hemmerling and her daughter to report the matter to the police.
Numuah was tracked and arrested in Abura, Western Region and brought to the Accra Regional CID for investigation.
During questioning, he admitted receiving the GH¢73,000.00 but denied issuing any threats. He refunded GH¢30,000.00 to the police, leaving an outstanding balance of GH¢43,000.00.
After investigations, he was charged with fraud by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offenses Act, 1960 (Act 29) and threat of harm, contrary to Section 74 of the same Act.
The case has been adjourned for further hearing on January 17, 2025.
