A businessman, Anthony Kojo Ababio, has allegedly been defrauded of GH¢800,000 by two individuals who claimed they could use their political connections in the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration to clear his tax arrears at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The accused, Solomon Okuley, a 51-year-old trader and Collins Amoah, a failed parliamentary aspirant for the Ablekuma Central constituency – who is currently at large – are facing charges of defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
Okuley pleaded not guilty in court and was granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million with two sureties, each earning at least GH¢5,000 per month.
One of the sureties must be an immediate family member. Additionally, the court ordered him to deposit his passport at the registry until the case is concluded.Presiding judge Her Honour Susana Eduful adjourned the case to February 3, 2025.
Meanwhile, police are continuing their search for Amoah, who remains at large.
Chief Inspector Teye-Okuffo, the Prosecutor, narrating the facts of the case to the court, said Ababio got into contact with the accused persons before June 2024.
The accused allegedly convinced him that if he provided GH¢800,000, Amoah, through his political ties in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, could settle his GRA debts.
Believing their claims, Ababio handed over the money in the presence of witnesses. However, after receiving the funds, the accused failed to fulfill their promise and avoided the complainant.
On December 28, 2024, Ababio, realizing he had been defrauded, reported the matter to the police.
Okuley was arrested the same day and reportedly admitted in a caution statement that he and Amoah had taken the money.
He further disclosed that Amoah had taken GH¢650,000 of the amount but failed to deliver on the promise. Investigations revealed that the money was used for personal political activities rather than to clear the businessman’s tax arrears.
