Togbui Satsimadza Afadi III, the Managing Director of Marrer Ghana Ltd. and Novihoho Afaglo, an entrepreneur, appeared before the Dansoman Circuit Court on charges of defrauding by false pretence and making conflicting land grants.
The two are accused of defrauding Isaac Donkor and Mercy Allotey of a total of GH¢9,650,000 through a multiple land sale scheme.
Both accused pleaded not guilty before Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul Baasit. They were granted bail of GH¢550,000 each, with stringent conditions.
Two sureties must be public servants earning at least GH¢5,000 monthly, while the third must deposit title deeds equivalent to the bail amount.
Additionally, the accused are required to surrender their Ghana Cards and report to the police every two weeks. The case was adjourned to February 17, 2025.
Details of the Allegations
Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, prosecuting, alleges that in March 2022, Togbui Satsimadza Afadi, acting on behalf of Marrer Ghana Ltd., sold 17 plots of land at Dansoman Keep Fit to Mercy Allotey, a Pharmacist, for GH¢8,500,000. The transaction was formalised with a site plan and an indenture.
In July 2023, Togbui Afadi, a traditional ruler and his younger brother, Novihoho Afaglo, allegedly sold one of the previously sold plots to Isaac Donkor, a businessman, for GH¢1,150,000.
A new site plan and indenture were issued for this transaction.
The issue came to light on June 10, 2024, when Allotey discovered Donkor working on the disputed land. Upon confrontation, Donkor stated that he had purchased the plot from the accused.
The matter was reported to the Dansoman Police, who launched an investigation. Togbui Afadi admitted to selling the 17 plots to Allotey in 2022 but claimed his brother was responsible for the subsequent sale of the disputed plot to Donkor. Novihoho Afaglo also admitted to selling the land to Donkor despite being aware of its earlier sale to Allotey.
Charges and Legal Framework
The accused have been charged with the following offenses:
- Conspiracy to Commit Crime: Section 23 of the Criminal Offenses Act, 1960 (Act 29).
- Making Conflicting Grants: Section 277(2) (c) of the Lands Act, 2020 (Act 1036).
- Defrauding by False Pretence: Sections 23(1) and 131(1) of the Criminal Offenses Act, 1960 (Act 29). The court is expected to deliberate on the charges as the prosecution prepares to present its evidence.
