A 24-year-old salesman, Ebenezer Benam, has been arraigned before the Circuit Court in Dansoman for allegedly defrauding a student of GH¢35,000 under the pretence of securing him enlistment into the Ghana Army.
Mr. Benam pleaded not guilty to the charge of defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). The case was presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul Baasit on January 21, 2025.
The court admitted the accused to bail in the sum of GH¢40,000 with two sureties who are required to be public servants earning not less than GH¢2,000 per month, and residing within the jurisdiction of the court.
Additionally, Mr. Benam has been directed to report to the case investigator every two weeks.
The Case Details
According to court documents, the complainant, Samuel Wunberawan, is a student residing in Agbogbloshie, Accra, while the accused resides in Alajo, Accra.
In November 2024, Mr. Benam allegedly contacted the complainant and claimed he had the connections to facilitate his enlistment into the Ghana Army for a fee of GH¢35,000.
Believing the promise, Mr. Wunberawan reportedly transferred GH¢28,000 via mobile money to Mr. Benam and later paid the remaining GH¢7,000 in cash at Burma Camp, Accra.
However, Mr. Benam is alleged to have fled the scene, blocked the complainant from further communication, and went into hiding.
The complainant subsequently reported the matter to the police, leading to Mr. Benam’s arrest. During police investigations, the accused admitted to receiving GH¢30,700 but denied collecting the full amount of GH¢35,000.
The prosecution has been directed to file all disclosures to facilitate a case management conference. The case has been adjourned to March 3, 2025.
If convicted, Mr. Benam faces severe penalties under the law for defrauding by false pretence, a crime that undermines trust and exploits vulnerable individuals seeking opportunities.
