The Accra Circuit Court 3 has granted bail to two individuals standing trial in connection with a GH¢700,000 gold scam that reportedly involved spiritual rituals, false pretences and a violent robbery.
The accused – Joshua Adamptey, a 30-year-old mason (A1) and Erasmus Billow, a 45-year-old Pastor at Increased Ministry, Spintex (A2) were each granted bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties.
Presiding Judge, Her Honour Susan Eduful, ordered that the sureties provide title deeds of property, which shall remain with the court registry, pending the final determination of the case. The case has been adjourned to October 14, 2025.
According to the prosecution team – Inspector Wemegah and Inspector Clement Acquah, the complainant, Yarkeeni Iddrisu, a Spintex-based driver, was allegedly defrauded after being lured into a fake gold deal by the accused persons.
In August 2024, A2, Pastor Erasmus Billow, a long-time friend of the complainant reportedly convinced Iddrisu that his associates, A1 Joshua Adamptey and Albert (now at large) had inherited a large quantity of gold from their late mother.
A2 claimed to have personally verified the existence of the gold in Somanya, prompting the complainant to financially assist in what was described as a purification process involving oils and rituals.
Trusting his friend, the complainant raised and handed over a total of GH¢700,000 to the accused, through loans and proceeds from the sale of his car.
However, things took a sinister turn when the complainant was lured to Somanya for a so-called “spiritual bath” necessary to access the gold.
During the ritual, a gang believed to be linked to the accused reportedly emerged from the bush, attacked the complainant, and robbed him of GH¢6,000 at scissor-point.
They further seized his phone and transferred an additional GH¢11,000 from his mobile money account.
Following the incident, a complaint was lodged at the Baatsonaa Police Station on August 15, 2025. Pastor Erasmus Billow (A2) was arrested first and later granted police inquiry bail. Joshua Adamptey (A1) was subsequently arrested on September 6, 2025, from his hideout at Somanya.
In his caution statement, A1 admitted receiving funds from both the complainant and A2, acknowledging an amount of GH¢200,000, which he claimed to have sent to his “spiritual father” in Benin.
The third accused, Albert, remains at large.
The court is expected to continue hearing on October 14, 2025.
