A 59-year-old car dealer accused of swindling a businessman of GH₵620,000 in a gold transaction has been remanded into Police custody by the Achimota Circuit Court.

Gbegoueu Evrard, a French national, is said to have collected the money under the pretext of selling to the complainant, Hayford Boadi, gold but failed.

Evrard is facing a charge of defrauding by false pretences.

His accomplices are Ernest Kweku Antwi, a 32-year-old aluminum fabricator, and Jordan Ansah, a 24-year-old private security man.

Evrard and his two accomplices have been jointly charged with conspiracy to commit crime to wit defrauding by false pretence.

Antwi and Ansah have pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Evrard ‘s plea could not be taken by the court because there was no French interpreter available. It therefore preserved his plea.

The court presided over by Mr Isaac Addo ordered the Registrar of the court to make arrangement for a French interpreter to assist the court at the next sitting on March 13, 2024

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stephen Ahiale said the complainant was a resident of Dunkwa-on-Offin in the Central Region.

Prosecution said during the year 2021, Evrard told a witness that he had a friend in Ghana who dealt in refined gold.

The prosecution said the witness contacted the complainant and informed him about the business which he (the complainant) expressed interest in.

ASP Ahiale said the complainant later contacted Evrard on mobile phone through the said witness to import the raw gold and Evrard told them that his friend who was a gold dealer needed some money to perform some rituals on the gold before it could be sold out.

Prosecution said to convince the complainant and the witness, Evrard took photographs of himself and the said gold and forwarded them.

Based on that representation, the complainant parted with GH₵620,000 in bits to Evrard, through the witness for the said rituals.

However, after Evrard collected the money, he failed to  honour his promise and “kept tossing the complainant and witness with different stories.”

In February 2024, the witness lured Evrard with another Gold business transaction for a white man client in Accra.

Prosecution said Evrard on hearing the quantum of money involved, he quickly conspired with Antwi and Ansah and one Abdallah, now at large, to defraud the witness.

The prosecutor said Evrard invited the witness to meet him in Accra in a few days to see the said gold.

Prosecution said the witness on his arrival in Accra from Ivory Coast reported the case to the Police for investigations.

On February 20, 2024, Evrard met the witness in Accra and took him to a gated house at Lapaz Fishpond to meet one Abdullai who was his partner for the said gold business.

While the said business meeting was going on in the house, the Police swiftly entered and arrested the three accused persons with five coated metallic objects, looking like refined gold bars in their possession.

Prosecution said Abdullai however managed to escape through a back door of the house.

The court was told that the exhibits were being forwarded for an Assay testing and report to enhance investigations.

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The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has vowed to take firm action against those involved in the recent clash between Manso Tontokrom residents in the Ashanti region and private security personnel from Asanko Gold Mines Limited.

In a press release issued on Monday, March 4, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring that individuals found culpable will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

An extensive investigation into the incident has been launched by the Ministry in collaboration with relevant security agencies.

While condemning the unfortunate occurrence, the Ministry has appealed for calm from the public as investigations continue to unfold.

“The Ministry is currently investigating the matter in collaboration with the appropriate security authorities.”

“The public is hereby assured that, the perpetrators of such act will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the Republic if found culpable,” an excerpt of the statement said.

Three fatalities have been reported following a clash between Manso Tontokrom residents in the Ashanti region and private security personnel from Asanko Gold Mines Limited.

The confrontation unfolded on Saturday, March 2, reportedly triggered by gunfire from the security personnel, resulting in the death of one resident. Sources suggest that the deceased was among a group of residents trespassing on the mining site belonging to the company.

In retaliation, residents allegedly attacked the Asanko Mines security team, resulting in the lynching of two security officers. Additionally, another security officer sustained severe injuries during the altercation.

Authorities have moved to restore calm in the affected community following the incident.

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Management of Asanko Gold Ghana Limited, operators of the Asanko Gold Mine in the Ashanti Region has condemned the murder of its security personnel and a civilian by illegal miners at Tontokrom during a clash with some aggrieved residents, on Saturday afternoon.

The company, in a release says, while the officials of the private security company were patrolling the Tontokrom concession, they were attacked by the illegal miners who were hiding in the bushes.

“Upon seeing the illegal miners emerging from the bushes with various guns, clubs, machetes, and other weapons, the security officers chose to retreat since they were unarmed. Unfortunately, two (2) of the private security officers were captured and lynched to death by these illegal miner”.

According to Asanko Mine, “It is important to note that for years now, it has always been the case that illegal miners, who are not residents at Tontokrom, have been encroaching on Asanko’s legally held concessions. It has also been the case that these illegal miners have been harassing both the staff of Asanko and its contractors”.

The company further stressed that the activities of illegal miners are erasing the efforts that the government and its officers are putting in place to make Ghana the premier mining investment destination in the world.

They are, therefore, calling for an investigation into the matter.

Asanko Mines also concluded by assuring employees, contractors, and community members of total security protection going forward.

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The Bekwai circuit court, presided over by His Honour Isaac Apeatu, has sentenced two armed robbers to 30 years each in prison with hard labor.

The two individuals attacked a vehicle belonging to Accurate Giant Company on November 26, 2022 in Tewobabi, Adansi Asokwa district of Ashanti.

They made away with an amount of GH¢40,500.

The two robbers have been identified as Martin Asante, aged 26, and Rocky Nyamedi, aged 29.

According to the prosecution, Rocky Nyamedi, a staff member of the company, was the mastermind behind the robbery.

The prosecution stated that, the police officer who traced and arrested the two suspects is G/Sgt. Eric Frimpong.

Nyamedi was arrested at Esereso in the Bosomtwe District of Ashanti, while Martin Asante was apprehended in Bibiani, Western North region.

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A 19-year-old foreman, Matinu Alhassan, appeared before an Adentan Circuit Court on September 3, 2023, for allegedly stealing GH¢57,000 from a hardware shop.

The accused person who was before the court presided over by Angela Attachie pleaded not guilty to charges of breaking into the shop, destroying a padlock and stealing.

Following his not guilty plea, the judge granted him bail in the sum of GH¢57,000, with two sureties who must prove ownership of a landed property. The case was adjourned to October 2, 2023, for further court proceedings.

Details

The prosecutor, Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo who presented the case before the court said the complainant, Emmanuel Twumasi, was a businessman.

He said Twumasi, the accused, Alhassan and his suspected accomplice, Malik Adam (currently on the run), all reside at Oyibi, Appolonia, a suburb of Accra.

He added that Twumasi, who deals in hardware equipment, owned several shops within Accra, one of which was located at Appolonia and managed by one Mohammed.

Mohammed, the suspect Adam and other employees who frequently slept in the shop.

The prosecutor said on the evening of August 8, 2023, after the shop had closed for the day, Twumasi was unable to collect the proceeds, thus entrusted the shop manager, Mohammed, to secure the money.

According to Chief Inspector Lanyo, the accused, Alhassan, learned about the existence of the money through his friend and suspected accomplice, Adam.

Therefore, around 11 p.m. the same day, Alhassan paid an unannounced visit to the shop while Adam and shop manager Mohammed were asleep.

Alhassan then proceeded to break the padlock where the money was kept and stole GH¢57,000.

While attempting to escape with the money, Alhassan was spotted and questioned by Adam.

Alhassan promised to share the money with Adam if he allowed him to escape, to which Adam agreed.

“The next day, when the shopkeeper discovered the break-in and theft, he reported it to the complainant, leading to a report being lodged at the Oyibi Police Station.

 Investigations subsequently led to the arrest of the accused, who initially admitted to the offence in his caution statement.

However, he later claimed to know nothing about the missing money,” he said.

The prosecutor said efforts were underway to apprehend the suspected accomplice, Adam.

The Achimota Circuit Court has sentenced a 32-year-old man to a day’s imprisonment for stealing a motorbike at Spot “M” Ofankor in Accra.

John Adonu, a.k.a. Task Force, was ordered by the court to pay a fine of GH¢1,200 in default serve three months imprisonment.

The court ordered the release of the motorbike to the complainant, Asante Boamah.

Adonu, who was held on the charge of stealing, pleaded guilty.

The court presided over by Mr Isaac Addo convicted Adonu on his own plea.

The court, in sentencing Adonu, said it took into consideration the fact that the accused person was a first offender and a young man.

According to the court, the accused person had shown remorse, and the stolen motorbike had also been found.

Prosecution led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stephen Ahiale said the complainant is an Okada Rider, and the accused person, who resides at Nsawam, is member of a task Force in the Eastern Region.

ASP Ahiale said on February 12, 2024, at about 1:00am, the complainant worked overnight and got tired.

Prosecution said the complainant parked his Apsonic Motor bike with registration number M-N-GT3853 at Ofankor Spot “M” near the Total Filling and decided to rest on a table nearby.

The prosecutor said the complainant parked the motorbike close to where he was sleeping, but he did not lock it.

According to the prosecution, the accused person and two others were present when the complainant parked the vehicle.

ASP Ahiale said soon after the two others left the scene the complainant slept off, the accused person took advantage of the situation and stole the motor bike.

Prosecution said Adonu rode the motor bike to Nsawam and sold it for GH¢3,000 to a friend at Adeiso and received part payment of GH¢1,500.

The prosecutor said the complainant made his enquires and he gathered that it was Adonu who stole the motor bike.

On February 21, 2024, luck eluded Adonu when he was arrested by the complainant and sent to the Ofankor Police Station where he was detained.

Adonu’s friend Alfred Tay quickly went to Adeiso and retrieved the motor bike from the one who dishonestly received it. The recipient of the motorbike, however, escaped.

In Adonu’s statement to the Police, he admitted the offence.

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The Tema Circuit Court B has granted Michael Opoku Ofori, a 32-year-old businessman, GH₵100,000.00 bail with two sureties, one of which is to be justified, for allegedly defrauding an online rice trader.

The Court, presided over by Mrs Klorkor Okai-Mills, granted him bail after he had pleaded not guilty to the two counts of defrauding by false pretense and issuing a false cheque.

Inspector Jacob Kuubal, prosecuting, told the court that the complainant, Daniel Appertey, and his business partner Ms Patience Sitsope Zartey, were traders in local rice, while Ofori was a businessman who resided at Sakyikrom Nsawam.

He said on March 17, 2023, Ms Zartey was contacted by Ofori through his Facebook account under the name “Opoku Clef,” expressing interest in purchasing some of her advertised local perfumed rice.

 Ofori ordered 120 bags of the 25-kilogramme local perfumed rice at  GH₵450.00 per bag, making a total of GH₵54,000.00.

He then requested the WhatsApp number of the witness, which he was provided with.

Prosecution said Ofori later requested that the invoice for the intended purchase be issued in the name of Owusu Agyekum, but the traders requested an in-person meeting to enable them to show him samples of the rice.

They, therefore, agreed to meet at the East Legon Hisense building on the Lagos Avenue Road on March 28, 2023.

On the said date, the traders were picked at the agreed venue by a young man in a taxicab to meet with the accused person in a house that was under renovation.

Prosecution said Ofori received the rice sample and invoice from the complainant in front of the house with the excuse that he was unable to invite them into the house because of the construction works going on.

Instead, the accused person took them to the A&C Mall to have further conversations on the intended purchase and later requested for the bank account details of the complainant, to enable him to transfer the total sum of GH₵54,000.00.

On March 30, Mr Appertey delivered the 120 bags of rice to Ofori at a different house also in East Legon upon his directions, after which he (accused) gave the complainant a GCB bank deposit slip showing that he had made payment into his account.

Further police investigations revealed that the deposit was fraudulent and not honoured by the bank after three days, unfortunately, by that time, he had already taken delivery of the rice and had later blocked the phone number of the traders, prosecution said.

He said Ofori belonged to a bigger syndicate, which the police had been investigating and that their modus operandi was to make orders of products online and lure their victims into delivering the products to them at locations suggested by them.

He said after such deliveries were made, they made payment with cheque slips, which were always dishonoured due to a lack of funds.

Efforts are still underway to arrest Stephen Nana Boadi Danso, a key accomplice of Ofori, who is at large.

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The Achimota Circuit Court has sentenced a 32-year-old man to a day’s imprisonment for stealing a motor bike at Spot “M” Ofankor in Accra.

John Adonu a.k.a. Task Force, was ordered by the court to pay a fine of GH1,200 in default serve three months imprisonment.

The court ordered the release of the motorbike to the complainant, Asante Boamah.

Adonu, who was held on the charge of stealing, pleaded guilty.

The court presided over by Mr Isaac Addo convicted Adonu on his own plea.

The court in sentencing Adonu, said it took into consideration the fact that the accused person was a first offender and a young man.

According to the court, the accused person had shown remorse and the stolen motorbike had also been found.

Prosecution led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stephen Ahiale said the complainant was an Okada Rider and the accused person, member of a task Force in the Eastern Region, residing at Nsawam.

ASP Ahiale said on February 12, 2024, at about 1:00am, the complainant worked overnight and got tired.

Prosecution said the complainant parked his Apsonic Motor bike with registration number M-N-GT3853 at Ofankor Spot “M” near the Total Filling and decided to rest on a table nearby.

The prosecutor said the complainant parked the motorbike close to where he was sleeping but he did not lock it.

According to the prosecution, the accused persons and two others were present when the complainant parked the vehicle.

ASP Ahiale said soon after the two others left the scene the complainant slept off, the accused person took advantage of the situation and stole the motor bike.

Prosecution said Adonu rode the motor bike to Nsawam and sold it for GHC3,000 to a friend at Adeiso and received part payment of GHC1,500.

The prosecutor said the complainant made his enquires and he gathered that it was Adonu who stole the motor bike.

On February 21, 2024, luck eluded Adonu when he was arrested by the complainant and sent to the Ofankor Police Station where he was detained.

Adonu’s friend Alfred Tay quickly went to Adeiso and retrieved the motor bike from the one who dishonestly received it. The recipient of the motorbike, however, escaped.

In Adonu’s statement to the Police, he admitted the offence.

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The Volta Regional Police Command has confirmed the death of an inmate who was found hanging in the Akatsi cell.

The deceased, Simon Doeve, accused of murder was going through committal at the Akatsi District Court and was remanded to go and back on March 13 but hanged himself ahead of the court date.

The police suspect no foul play as there were no signs of assault.

His body has been deposited at the Ho Teaching Hospital for preservation and autopsy.

Police brief said Doeve was remanded into police custody on February 12, 2024 but hanged himself on the same day.

Investigation revealed that at about 0350 hours, the counter non-commissioned officer sergeant Gideon Ndsuga visited the cells and detected the accused person was not part of the inmates.

When he enquired, he was told Doeve was in the washroom, only to find him hanged on the fan hook on the ceiling with a duster used for cleaning the washroom.

The brief said the family of the deceased was informed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr Andrews Boadu Ekumah, the Regional Police Commander.

Afterwards, the family was allowed into the cells to identify him.

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The disappearance of Faustina Asantewaa, a retired midwife residing in Akwatia, has left her family in distress and seeking answers.

Faustina, aged 76, vanished on September 12, 2023, around 5:30 pm from her home where she lived with her daughter Benedicta Agyiewaa Sasu and son-in-law.

Following her disappearance, a report was filed with the Akwatia District Police command, and subsequent investigations were initiated.

However, progress has been slow, with concerns raised by the family regarding the lackluster investigation by the local police.

Suspicion arose when Faustina’s sandals were mysteriously found near a river, suggesting a possible drowning.

Despite extensive searches conducted by divers and community members, no further traces of her whereabouts have been discovered.

Afrifa Sasu, one of the four children of the missing retired midwife narrated “Report was lodged the following morning at Akwatia District Police command. So later they invited my sister to write her statement.

“Two days after the police came around to commence investigation. Her sandals was strangely discovered her sandals near river side portraying she has drowned but we strongly don’t believe so.We went to the palace and the chief announced to the community to help find the missing woman. Divers searched through the river while others searched the bush for hours but to no avail”.

Faustina’s health condition, neuropathy, which caused numbness and difficulty walking, further complicates suspicion of her disappearance.

Adding to the family’s distress, unauthorized withdrawals have been made from Faustina’s bank account since her disappearance.

Withdrawals totaling Ghc6000 in October, November, and December have raised suspicions, particularly regarding her daughter and son-in-law, who resided with her.

“In October they withdrew Gh2000, November too they withdrew ghc2000 then December ghc2000. We suspect my sister and her husband who stayed with our missing mother” Afrifa said.

Despite these alarming developments, efforts to obtain bank account details for further investigation have been hindered by administrative delays.

According to the local Police, absence of a judge required to issue an order to the bank has stalled progress, leaving the family frustrated and feeling that the police investigation lacks urgency.

“The Police however says the judge who will issue an order to the bank to print out details of the account of the missing woman is on leave so they can’t proceed but we clearly observe that the police are not interested in the case because of the floppy nature of the investigation.

“It is almost a year we are not seeing anything positive” Afrifa lamented.

With nearly six months passing since her disappearance and no significant breakthroughs in the investigation, the family remains apprehensive .

An accountant, Afrifa Sasu, one of the four children of the missing retired midwife has for instance taken one year leave without salary to commit to intense search for the whereabout of their mother.

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A 33-year-old businessman who allegedly collected $57,000 under the pretext of securing a Toyota Land Cruiser sport utility vehicle for a church but failed has appeared before the Achimota Circuit Court.

Andrews Amoah Ampaw pleaded not guilty to the charge of defrauding by false pretences.

Police say the Ampaw was arrested by Ghana Immigration Service officials at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) while travelling outside the country.

The court presided over by Isaac Addo admitted Ampaw to bail in the sum of GHC800,000 with two sureties to be justified with landed property.

It further ordered Ampaw to submit his passport to the Registry of the Court until otherwise directed.

He was also asked to report to the case investigator every Friday.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Ahiale said the complainant, whose name was withheld, is a clergy and an administrator at a renowned church in the country.

ASP Ahiale said Ampaw resides at Weija SCC, Accra.

On June 29, 2023, Ampaw collected a cash amount of $57,000 from the complainant under the pretext of securing a 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser from Dubai for the church but failed.

The prosecution said Ampaw went into hiding and all efforts to trace him and retrieve the money proved futile.

On February 12, 2024, information gathered indicated that Ampaw was travelling outside the country when he was arrested at KIA by Immigration officials and handed over to Legon Police in a similar case.

The prosecution said the complainant identified Ampaw when he was apprehended.

During interrogation, the prosecution said Ampaw admitted the offence in his caution statement.

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Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has revealed that sodomy is being practised among inmates at the Accra Central prison.

This he said was a revelation made to him by some police officers as a message of caution about his clients being detained at the facility.

Mr Afenyo-Markin, who doubles as Efuttu MP disclosed this in reaction to the passage of the anti-LGBTQI+ bill while stressing the need for non-custodial sentence.

“Sodomy takes its roots from the prisons, people get sodomized in our prison and in our cells. I am a practitioner of the law, I have done criminal cases for many years and sometimes when your clients are being sent to cells, the police themselves will tell you that Counsel, make sure ‘sɛɛ omu nfanu nkɔ’ Accra central (make sure that he is not taken to Accra central).

“You ask why, and they tell you ‘ehɔ diɛ ɔmu bɛ yɛnu saasaa, ɔmu bɛ yɛnu sei’ (they will do this and that to him). They tell us, why are we pretending that we don’t know the everyday story on our streets?” he quizzed in an interview on Accra-based TV3.

The Bill passed on Wednesday by Parliament currently proscribes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activities and criminalises their promotion, advocacy and funding.

The Bill would now require presidential assent to come into force but has been met with fierce criticisms amidst calls for Akufo-Addo for reject it.

However, the lawmaker before the passage opposed the idea of imposing a custodial sentence on individuals involved in LGBTQ+ activities.

This was after Parliament endorsed a minimum custodial sentence of three years and a maximum of five years for individuals found to be willfully promoting, sponsoring, or supporting LGBTQ+ activities.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of the country’s prisons and contended that, they would not offer the necessary rehabilitation for offenders of the law.

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The decomposing body of a 56-year-old man said to be a worker at the Ejura Government Hospital in the Ashanti region has been found hanging on a mango tree.

The body of the deceased identified as Sarfo Boakye was found in a bizarre state on Sunday, February 25, 2024.

The Assembly member for the Ahenboboano electoral area, Samuel Kojo Kwa-Sam, confirmed the incident.

Accra-based Citi News reports Mr Boakye’s body was discovered by some young boys who had gone into the bush to search for mangoes around 12pm.

Mr Kwa-Sam narrated he rushed to the scene with the chief, Nana Yeboah Kodieh together with two elders after he received a distressed call about the incident.

“We reported to the police who teamed up with NADMO and environmental health officers to do the needful. We identified and contacted the family through his phone and the body was buried the same day,” he said.

The police at Ejura have since commenced investigations into the incident.

The deceased he noted was a member of a royal family and was survived by three children.

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The Ho High Court has sentenced three individuals to life imprisonment after being found guilty of the charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and abetment of crime.

Seven jurors appointed to adjudicate the case passed a guilty verdict for all three charges pressed against the convicts.

The three were said to be involved in the shooting and killing of four people at the Omanhene Palace at Pai Kantanka in the Oti Region, in the heat of a chieftaincy dispute in 2019.

Two of the culprits now convicts, Kwabena Aduam and Amanpene Gyane broke down in uncontrollable tears in the courtroom after hearing theie sentence, while Kwabena Asante who had been on remand, showed indifference.

Friends and relatives who accompanied Kwabena Aduam and Omanpene Gyane, who were on bail, were thrown into mourning, while relatives of the deceased were seen jubilating and pouring powder on each other. They lauded the court for delivering justice.

Judgment The sitting Judge, His Lordship Justice George Buadi explained that he found inconsistencies in the witness statements and cross-examination of all three.

“They tried to act clever by pleading alibi but evidence from the investigator proved beyond reasonable doubt that they indeed committed the crime”, he said.

Responding to the judgment, Senior State Attorney, Moses Asampoa thanked the court especially the jurors for upholding the principle of justice, as the decision will serve as a deterrent to anyone who intends to take the laws into their own hands.

Background The culprits stormed the chief’s palace with locally manufactured shotguns and in broad daylight, engaged in sporadic shooting, killing one person on the spot.

Three others who sustained serious injuries were rushed to the Worawora Government Hospital but died while receiving treatment.

Following investigations, the police arrested two in the town and after a few months picked up Asante, who had fled into neighbouring Togo.

The area has been hit with a series of chieftaincy disputes despite a court ruling affirming Nana Diawuo Bediako II as the substantive chief for the area and has since been gazetted at the National House of Chiefs.

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An Accra High Court has issued a final warning to the state to produce witnesses to testify against former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Kwesi Nyantakyi else the fraud and other charges brought against him will be dismissed.

The state named five witnesses to testify in the matter including Anas Aremeyaw Anas. However, none of the witnesses has been presented to court despite filing witness statements. 

Mrs Justice Marie-Louise Simmons, the third judge sitting on the case since it started in March 2020, last Wednesday stated her inclination to strike the case out after state prosecutors informed the court that Anas Aremeyaw Anas, their star witness had declined to appear in court and testify as a witness without wearing a mask/hood citing security for his life as his concern. 

According to the state prosecutor, Mr Aremeyaw Anas had implored the state to appeal against the decision of the High Court ordering him to show his face to the accused persons and their lawyers before testifying.

A High Court ruling in May 2023, stated that “Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas will testify against former GFA President Kwasi Nyantakyi in open court but disguised in a mask.

“Mr Nyantakyi will, however, have the opportunity to see his face in chambers before such testimony.”

This was after the Supreme Court presided over by Justice Baffoe-Bonnie on November 8, 2022, granted an application for certiorari filed by Kwesi Nyantakyi, quashing the order of High Court 2, Criminal Division, which granted a dispensation for the state to have its principal witness, Anas Aremeyaw Anas testify in-camera.

Lawyers of Nyantakyi quoted the prosecution to have said, “Our witness Anas Aremeyaw Anas, we pray that his testimony is heard in camera.”

This application was opposed by the applicant’s lawyer at the Supreme Court on April 29, 2022, who insisted that the High Court gave a dispensation without the facts and grounds of the application formally set out in an application to the Court.

A portion of the application said “…it is evident from Applicant’s lawyer’s objections to how the High Court’s discretion was invoked for a dispensation that the reasons for which the prosecution made the prayer were not clear.

“This is put beyond doubt by Applicant’s lawyer’s submission which is captured in the record as follows; 

“…this will have the opportunity to let us know why he wants to testify in camera. (sic)”

“It is proper he comes formally, file a motion and support with an affidavit why his witness wants to testify in camera….”

This objection was ignored, but the Supreme Court upheld the plea, quashing the High Court ruling.

Anas Aremeyaw Anas, via his X page, formerly Twitter, published a statement from his legal team which said that he may choose to testify on behalf of the late Ahmed Suale, who was the principal witness.

“Anas Aremeyaw Anas agreed to testify in the stead of Ahmed Suale on the condition he will be allowed to do so in-camera or in chambers,” portion of the statement said in reaction to the order from the Supreme Court for him to testify without his mask.

It added that “Anas may choose to testify as prosecution witness or not. 

“Anas and his Tiger Eye Pi team will continue to wear the iconic face beads as a symbol of impartial anonymity in investigative journalism and to highlight the extreme risk in that line of duty.”

Following the decision of the Supreme Court, the High Court ruled that Anas should show his face to the accused persons before his testimony.

An appeal was filed at the Court of Appeal about five months ago but neither a date for a hearing has been fixed nor a judgement delivered on the appeal.

During an appearance in court on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the High Court judge gave the state a window to produce witnesses in the next adjourned date of April 30, 2024, or the case will be struck out.

It would be recalled that Justice Comfort Kwasiwor Tasiame, the first judge to sit on the case, on March 11, 2021, when it began on March 4, 2020, discharged the accused persons, stating, “I think the prosecution may need a longer time to put their house in order.

“It’s been one year since we set out to do a case Management Conference but due to the excuse by the Learned Counsel for the Republic, that they have a witness statement to file, we kept adjourning this case till today.

“I think in these modern times there can be a way out for prosecution who has the whole state apparatus behind her to file a witness statement without us going and coming.”

“Justice delayed they say Justice denied. Justice is two-way traffic for prosecution and accused as well,” the respected Judge noted.

“As it stands now, I have no option other than to discharge the accused persons. Any time prosecution is ready, they can do the needful. 

“Accused persons are discharged,” Justice Comfort ruled.

However, Counsel for the Republic Victoria Asieduaa, proceeded to Criminal Court 2 of the High Court on March 24, 2021, to have the case heard afresh.

Nyantakyi filed an opposition against the move of the Republic, requesting that the case be taken back to Court 4, but on June 7, Justice Elfreda A. Dankyi, the second judge to sit on the case ruled that it would be heard in her court.

The Republic filed its first witness statements two years ago, but none is yet to appear in court and testify.

March 4, 2024, would be exactly four years since the former CAF 1st Vice President and FIFA Council member,  Kwesi Nyantakyi was arraigned before the Accra High Court.

Anas Aremeyaw Anas on March 26, 2019, barely a year after the exposè demanded the prosecution of Mr Nyantakyi in an online petition.

“In Ghana, he (Nyantakyi) was arrested, then granted bail. Police have completed investigations into likely criminal misconduct by Mr Nyantakyi.

“They submitted their findings to the Attorney General last year. The Attorney General has not taken any action on the case till date,” Anas said in a statement.

“Please help us ASK the Attorney General to MOVE this case forward. Mr Nyantakyi should face criminal prosecution over some of his misconduct, which borders on criminality.

“We are sending letters, making calls, sending social messages to all government entities that can help us MOVE this case to the next level. We are also reaching out to news media to help spread the word.

“If Nyantakyi is not prosecuted, our collective fight against corruption will be meaningless. It will also send a signal to many citizens that the law only deals with the poor, but the rich and powerful cannot be held responsible for their actions,” he noted.

In November same year, Mohammed Abdul Aziz, Member of Parliament for the Mion constituency demanded answers from the then Attorney General, Madam Gloria Akuffo today told Parliament that the government was committed to the prosecution of Kwesi Nyantakyi.

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Assin Fosu in the Central region has been identified as a hub for serious organised crimes in the country.

According to the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), the criminal groups have a well-established leadership pattern when it comes to their operations.

Speaking to JoyNews, the Deputy Head of Legal and Prosecution at EOCO, Leo Anthony Siamah stated that the criminal groups in Assin Fosu are involved in two main areas of crime which are human trafficking and bank fraud.

“They have a more structured look. They have about three or four layers in terms of leadership and hierarchy where there is a reporting direction in terms of flowing from the bottom to the top and there is control,” he said.

However, Mr Siamah noted that one of the biggest challenges in fighting these criminal groups is their connection to influential figures, including politicians.

“So you realize that, we bust a ring, we are conducting investigation and certain caliber of persons show up. We are talking about people who claim I’m from here, I’m from there.

“When I say I’m from here, we are talking about maybe politicians, I have this politician’s number. I have this person’s number. I have this person’s contact. And then you will realize that they try to create a connection as to why he should have that person’s contact. These are some of the problems we are facing,” he said.

In addition to their connections to powerful figures, the Deputy Head of Legal and Prosecution at EOCO also noted that the criminal groups have started using cryptocurrency to launder money into the country.

He stated that some Ghanaians have a form of cryptocurrency which is creating a lot of problems.

“If you are aware too, there is this Bank of Ghana directive that says that anyone or anybody entering through our entry points in the country should declare any amount in excess of ten thousand dollars for instance, that used to be very easy to enforce .”

“If you are looking at the cryptocurrency problem where somebody has laundered money in terms of huge amounts of money in his wallet, how are we able to identify what he is holding?, he stressed.

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An Accra Circuit Court has ordered the arrest of a 42-year-old retired Military officer accused of defrauding some people of GH₵194,500.00.

Mr Daniel Asiedu is accused of collecting GH₵194,500.00 under the pretext of enlisting the youth in security services but failed.

Mr Asiedu, charged with defrauding by false pretence, failed to appear before the Court.

The prosecution, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Maxwell Oppong, prayed to the Court for a bench warrant for the arrest of the accused person after several attempts were made for him to appear before it.

The Court presided over by Mr Samuel Bright Acquah, therefore, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the accused person.

The facts are that the complainants in the case are some young people.

The Police said in 2023, the accused person convinced the complainants that he had gotten a slot at the Jubilee House to enlist interested Ghanaians into the various security services.

It said as a result, he demanded and succeeded in collecting various sums of money amounting to GH₵I94.500.00 from the complainants to secure them admission into the various security training schools of their choice within three months.

The Police said the accused person could not fulfil his promise, compelling the complainants to demand their money.

It said on January 4, 2024, the complainants complained to the Police and the accused person was arrested.

The Police said in the cautioned statement of the accused person, he admitted that he met one man at Kibi who introduced himself to him as a National Security Personnel at the Jubilee House and requested him to get interested persons to be recruited into the various security services.

It said the accused person also admitted having conspired with one private soldier Ebenezer Abor to commit the crime.

The Police said the case was still under investigation.

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The Tema Court ‘A’ has sentenced Eric Gyimah, a serial taxi thief, to 25 years imprisonment in hard labour for robbing Daniel Azure of his Toyota Vitz taxi.

Gyimah, who had received a 15-year sentence for a similar offence a few days ago, pleaded not guilty to the charge of robbery but was pronounced guilty by the court after a full trial.

The court presided over by Agnes Opoku Banie also ordered that Gyimah should refund Gh₵15,000 that he stole from the complainant to him.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) George Doe, prosecuting, said that while the complainant, a taxi driver, resides at Kasoa Amanfrom in the Central Region, the convict is a businessman residing at Adidome in the Volta Region.

The prosecution said that on May 18, 2023, at about 1340 hours, the complainant was in charge of a light grey and yellow Toyota Vitz taxi driving within Accra when the convict and two other men, now at large, hired his services to convey them to a building site at the Central University area in Dawhenya to enable them to take pictures of the said building under construction for their brother overseas.

He said Gyimah sat in the front passenger seat while the two other men sat at the back. On reaching the Aflao Highway, a few metres after the Central University, they directed the complainant to branch onto a rough road leading to the supposed site.

The facts had it that on reaching a portion of the rough road, Gyimah asked the complainant to stop, which he did. Then, the convict and the two men alighted from the taxi, telling the complainant to wait for them while they went and took pictures of the building and returned.

He added that they returned and sat again in their various seats in the taxi and asked the complainant to drive back towards the main road. On their way back, the two men in the back seat hooked the neck of the complainant with a rope and pulled his neck against the seat while the convict pulled a knife on him.

The prosecution further stated that the complainant, who held on to the knife, sustained some knife cuts on his right palm as Gyimah pulled it and inflicted multiple wounds on his leg. 

According to the prosecution, the convict then turned off the car engine, which stopped, and he forcibly took the ignition sensor, which was then hooked to the complainant’s belt hole.

The convict, together with his accomplices, then came out of the car, held the complainant, pulled him out, and dumped him into a pool of water collected in a hole on the road.

The convict then drove the taxi away with his accomplice sitting in it, and the complainant’s Samsung A11 mobile phone valued at Gh₵ 1,600.00, his AMA licence, and his driver’s licence also in it.

The prosecution said the complainant then staggered to his feet and proceeded to the Dawhenya police station, where he made a complaint.

He said that during investigations, the said taxicab was spotted in a mechanic shop at Sogakope with a new number plate embossed on it, adding that the mechanics mentioned Agbodzahu Wobube, a nurse, as the one who brought the taxicab for repairs.

Agbodzalu Wobubo was then arrested, and upon investigation, it was mentioned that the convict was the one who sold the taxicab to him for Gh₵30,000.

Wobubo then led the police to arrest Gyimah, whom the complainant subsequently identified as one of his attackers.

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The driver of a 2M Express bus that narrowly escaped a robbery attack on the Accra-Kumasi Highway has been rewarded by the company following his evasive driving, which saved passengers.

The driver, Etien Amewutor, was behind the wheel of the 2M Express bus en route from Accra to Kumasi on February 21, 2023, when it was nearly attacked around Beraku.

Speaking to Graphic Online in an interview, the General Manager of 2M Express, Kwabena Gyau Amankwah, praised the driver for his swift response, which he said prevented the loss of life and property. 

According to him, the management of 2M Express was alerted about the development when Mr. Amewutor, suspecting a robbery, pressed an emergency button in the bus.

This he said activated a video recorder and signalled the 2M Express call managers about the attack.

He said the video footage released by the company shows the driver reversing from the scene of the attack before speeding off to the nearest police station.

Mr. Amankwah said the driver’s response was a result of the strict three-month training all 2M Express drivers undergo before being employed.

He indicated that the driver had been appropriately rewarded by the company but did not disclose the specific reward.

He added that following the incident, many passengers have also presented gifts to Mr. Amewutor for saving their lives.

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The Wa District court, presided over by His Honor Maxwell Titirico Maxbrain, has remanded six individuals for the second time in connection with the murder of Eric Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Cosy Hills Hotel popularly called the Jirapa Dubai.

Five of the accused individuals will be held in Wa police custody, while the sixth accused person who is the sacked Human Resource (HR) Officer, Elaisah Mahama, will be detained at the Wa Central Prison.

Background

The renowned businessman was found dead in a pool of blood at his private residence on Sunday, February 11.

It has been confirmed that Mr Johnson’s attacker or attackers used a ladder to climb over his wall before using a master card to gain access to his room.

The deceased is believed to have finished taking his bath before the attack. He was found on the floor with his towel around him and bearing deep wounds on his body suspected to have been inflicted by his killer or killers.

His car was driven out of the compound but was later found abandoned in town.

Seven people were earlier picked up for interrogation over the murder.

In a press statement, the Ghana Police Service said two new suspects were picked up after the initial arrest of five following the discovery of the businessman’s lifeless body.

Dookuuri Fausta, Braimah Kasim, Beyuo Felix, Michael Klugey, Kumbata Kwaku, Charles Tuoze and Favour Nuobe are the suspects assisting the police with investigations into the multiple stabbing and murder of Eric Johnson.

Out of the number, the Wa Magistrate Court has remanded five individuals.

Presided over by Maxibrain Titreku, the court ordered the remand of the five suspects on Thursday, February 15, following a petition from the police for additional investigations.

Nevertheless, the court granted bail to two of the suspects.

The sacked Human Resource (HR) Officer of the Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, Elyasah Mahama  was allegedly picked up on February 27, at a hideout in Takoradi and airlifted to Wa on a commercial flight for interrogation.

He will be detained at the Wa Central Prison.

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Nii Armah Ashitey a former Assembly member, who was allegedly given GH₵500,000 by a foundation to construct road and drainage but failed has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.

Ashitey, a former assembly member for Adobetor electoral area in La Dadekotpon Municipality, has been charged with defrauding by false pretences, using public office for profit, and money laundering.

The 63-year-old former assembly member has pleaded not guilty to the various charges.

Ashitey is said to have told the Police that he used the money for “mobilization of the project” but could not provide documents and receipts to that effect.

The court presided over by Mr Isaac Addo has admitted Ashitey to bail in the sum of GH₵500,000 with two sureties.

The matter has been adjourned to April 2, 2024.

Prosecution led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Seth Frimpong said the complainants, Maxwell Ahugah and Mrs Naomi Vogel were manager and director, respectively of Robert Vogel Memorial Foundation.

ASP Frimpong said the accused person was a resident of La Wireless.

Prosecution said somewhere in the month of May 2018, Robert Vogel Foundation Memorial, a non-profit organization, engaged in philanthropic activities within the Community, decided to construct a road and drainage as part of their community development at Adobetor electoral area.

According to prosecution, the construction of the projects took place during Ashitey’s tenure as an assembly member of La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly.

The prosecutor said Ashitey was approached by the Director and Manager of the Robert Vogel Memorial Foundation about their desire to construct a particular road with its attached drainage.

Prosecution said the accused person took advantage of the gesture and presented to the complainants, Bill of Quantities on a number of roads and drains that the assembly had earmarked to construct.

The court heard that Ashitey deceived the Director Mrs Naomi Vogel of the said Foundation to transfer GHC500,000 into his personal account with La Community Bank which he presented as the Municipal Assembly‘s account.

Again, the prosecution said the accused person “deceived the foundation manager and director into believing that the construction of the selected road and drains at Adobetor area had been done with the funds from the Foundation.

Prosecution said the accused person, however, failed to undertake the construction.

The prosecutor said on April 11, 2023, Ashitey was arrested and during interrogation, he told the Police that he “used all the GH₵500,000 to do mobilization of the project”.

Prosecution said during investigations, the accused person was allowed to furnish the Police with receipts or documents to know how the funds were disbursed for the “mobilization but he could not provide any document or receipts.”

ASP Frimpong said the Police visited the area where the construction should have been done and it was observed that the road had not been constructed and no drainage was done.

“Investigations revealed that accused person simply made this representation which he knew were false to obtain the consent of the manager and the director of the foundation to part with the GH₵500,000 and he has since misappropriated the said amount with no effort or ability to construct the road,” prosecution said.

The prosecutor said it was also established that by the accused person’s status as someone who held office as an elected assembly member for Adobetor electoral area, he was a public officer.

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The Amasaman Circuit Court has granted a businessman a GHC50,000.00 bail with two sureties for allegedly threatening to kill a businesswoman.

The Court presided over by Ms Enid Marful-Sau ordered that the sureties deposited their valid identity cards with the Court’s Registry.

Alfred Alorde denied telling Victoria Agbordo that “I will kill you.”

He is to make his next appearance on March 28, 2024.

Police Chief Inspector Salifu Nashiru told the Court that Victoria, the complainant, was a businesswoman and Alorde, the accused person, was also a businessman, both living at Domeabra.

He said on January 23, 2024, at about 0730 hours, the complainant was sending her wards to school and on reaching in front of the accused person’s house, the accused started quarrelling with her, saying “you are the one who sent me to police station that I had stolen your money”.

“I will beat you, knock you with my car and kill you and you will see.” Prosecution quoted the accused person.

Chief Inspector Nashiru said on January 24, 2024, the complainant reported the case to Danchira Police which led to the arrest of the accused person.

He said after investigation, he was charged with the offence and put before court.

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The Tarkwa Circuit Court has convicted a mason to 15 years Imprisonment for defiling a primary four pupil in an uncompleted building at Himan-Prestea in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality.

Thomas Aboagye, alias Mfantse, pleaded guilty to the charge of defilement and the presiding judge, Mrs Hathia Ama Manu before sentencing accused to fifteen years imprisonment in hard labour, warned him never to repeat such shameful act.

Prosecuting, Superintendent of Police Juliana Essel-Dadzie, said the complainant, is a farmer and grandfather of the victim, who is ten-year-old.

She said the complainant, victim and Aboagye lived in the same vicinity at Himan-Prestea.

Superintendent Essel-Dadzie said on Thursday February 1, 2024, around 1730 hours Aboagye gave the victim GH¢10.00 and lured her into an uncompleted building in the neighborhood and defiled her.

According to the prosecution, a witness in the case chanced on Aboagye, while he was having sexual intercourse with the victim and managed to arrest him.

She said the case was reported at the Prestea Police Post where the convict was detained and during interrogation he admitted the offence.

Superintendent Essel-Dadzie said a medical report form was issued to the complainant to seek medical care for the victim, and it was later returned to the police fully endorsed.

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A 42-year-old mason, Bodai Kipo has been apprehended by the police at Horiyiri, a farming community in the Sawla district of the Savannah region for stealing three goats.

He was also charged for unlawful possession of firearm.

Bodai Kipo, known for his history of goat theft spanning communities in Bole and Sawla districts, was intercepted by community watchdogs in Horiyiri around 3 pm.

He was subsequently handed over to the local chief, who then alerted the police in Sawla to intervene as a mob threatened to take matters into their own hands.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, police sources in Sawla disclosed that Bodai will be arranged before the Bole district Magistrate court tomorrow to face charges related to his alleged crimes.

Meanwhile, the three stolen goats have been returned to their rightful owners.

Adom News correspondent, Rebecca Natomah will be closely monitoring the court proceedings in Bole and give updates on this developing story.

An unidentified man believed to be mentally challenged was reportedly found beheaded by unknown assailants.

A tragic incident happened in Odumasi, Asante Akyem Central.

Adom News’ Isaac Amoako who was at the scene reported that, residents were shocked to discover the mutilated body of the man near the Methodist Church.

A day before the murder, some residents said they saw the deceased sitting under a tree near the murder scene.

His body has since been deposited at Konongo Government hospital morgue.

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In a significant development, Mona Faiz Montrage, a well-known Ghanaian influencer widely recognized as “Hajia4Reall,” has admitted to her involvement in a complex web of romance scams. 

This revelation sheds light on the intricate schemes orchestrated by a criminal enterprise based in West Africa, targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly older citizens, with deceptive tactics.

As Montrage faces legal consequences for her actions, here are the key details surrounding her guilty plea and the broader implications of the romance scam operation she was part of.

1. Guilty Plea: Mona Faiz Montrage, a prominent Ghanaian influencer known as “Hajia4Reall,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.

2. Role in Romance Scams: Montrage was involved in laundering the proceeds of a series of romance scams orchestrated by a criminal enterprise based in West Africa.

3. Vulnerable Victims: The romance scams targeted vulnerable, older individuals living alone, deceiving them into believing they were in romantic relationships with fake identities assumed by members of the enterprise.

4. Deceptive Communication: The enterprise used emails, text messages, and social media messages to manipulate victims, convincing them to transfer money to bank accounts controlled by the scammers.

5. Rise to Fame: Montrage gained fame as an influencer through her Instagram profile, which had approximately 3.4 million followers. She was among the top 10 profiles with the most followers in Ghana.

6. Receipt of Fraudulent Funds: Montrage received money from victims of romance frauds, with false pretenses such as transporting gold, resolving fake FBI investigations, and assisting a fake U.S. Army officer.

7. Significant Amount: Bank accounts controlled by Montrage received over $2 million in fraudulent funds from the criminal enterprise.

8. Guilty Plea Details: Montrage, 31, of Accra, Ghana, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to receive stolen money, with a maximum sentence of five years in prison. She also agreed to pay forfeiture and restitution totalling $2,164,758.41.

9. Sentencing: Montrage is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty. The maximum potential sentence is provided for informational purposes, as the actual sentencing will be determined by the judge.

10. FBI Involvement: The Federal Bureau of Investigation played a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting the case. The Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit is leading the prosecution.

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Yaw Dankwah, the defence counsel in the murder case of former MP for Abuakwa North, J. B Danquah Adu says Daniel Asiedu, the first accused person, did not kill him.

He alleged that the former MP was killed by three police impersonators, who visited the home of the deceased.

The counsel claimed the impersonators after committing the heinous crime vanished into thin air.

He said that was confirmed by the evidence of one Apraku, the security guard who reported the matter to the police via phone calls.

The counsel argued that the late MP was tall and well built and that Asiedu could not overpower him.

“It was the three impersonating officers who overpowered the MP and killed him at his residence … Asiedu cannot overpower the MP physically.

“Your story suggesting that it was Daniel Asiedu who killed the MP was a fabrication and full of lies.”

However, ASP Augustine Nkrumah, the case investigator answering questions before the court, said it was Daniel Asiedu the first accused person, who killed the former MP.

According to the investigator, Asiedu was “a terrible person” and capable of killing the man.

The case investigator took the court through how some weapons used in committing the crime were retrieved from Asiedu.

He also told the court how a T-shirt and a handkerchief all soaked with blood and a knife were found at the scene and Asiedu admitted that those items were for him.

ASP Nkrumah said Asiedu’s girl friend one Janet Kyeraa also confirmed to the police that the T-shirt and handkerchief belonged to Aseidu.

The investigator said Janet Kyeraa also informed the Police that Asiedu after the incident gave her a knife stained with blood to clean.

The investigator told the court Asiedu’s slippers were also retrieved from the crime scene and Aseidu also identified a catapult and cutter found at the scene.

“During investigations the knife Asiedu used in stabbing the deceased to death was traced to Asiedu’s room at Agbogbloshie in Accra.

“When the knife was shown to the first accused person (Asiedu) he admitted to having used that knife on the deceased. Asiedu said he was held by the deceased and he left him helpless in his room,” ASP Nkrumah.

The case investigator said in the deceased room, Asiedu asked for forgiveness for the offence he had committed.

The investigator told the court that Asiedu demonstrated to the investigation team how he went to the crime scene and how he perpetrated the crime.

“My Lord, the exhibits found in the deceased room, Asiedu admitted sending them there.”

Daniel Asiedu is standing trial for his involvement in the murder of a former MP for Abuakwa North, J.B Danquah Adu at his residence in February 2016.

He has been charged with murder and robbery.

Asiedu is jointly being held for allegedly conspiring with Vincent Bossu to rob the MP.

They have denied the charges before a seven-member jury.

The court presided over by Mrs. Justice Lydia Osei Marfo has remanded the accused persons to reappear on February 28, 2024.

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A 34-year-old man identified as Kwame Kesse is on the run after allegedly killing his younger brother’s pregnant wife at Sehwi Surano ‘A’ near Anhweaso in the Bibiani Anhweaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region.

The gruesome incident occurred on Monday, February 26, 2024.

The deceased has been identified as a 20-year-old popularly known as Mummy.

An eyewitness, Francis Mensah told Adom News, a scream for help was heard from the victim’s house.

They rushed to the house to discover the lifeless body in front of their toilet

Francis indicated that she was found with multiple cutlass wounds on her throat, neck, hand, and back but it is not clear what triggered the act.

However, the suspect was nowhere in sight.

The police were informed with the body taken to Anhweaso mortuary with investigations underway and a manhunt launched for the suspect.

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The Financial and Economic Division of the High Court in Accra has fixed April 16, 2024 to deliver judgment in the case in which “absconded” former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) boss, Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu and interdicted Head of Operations, Daniel Axim are standing trial.

This was after Daniel Axim, the 2nd Accused person who had earlier indicated of calling witnesses, was forced to close his defence after he was unable to convince his witnesses to come to court to testify.

Mrs Tamakloe and Mr Axim have both pleaded not guilty to a combined 78 charges before the Court presided over by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting as an additional High Court judge.

The 78 counts include conspiracy to Stealing, stealing, causing financial loss to the State, causing loss to public property, Improper Payment of Public Funds, Unauthorised Commitment resulting in Financial Obligation for the Government, Money Laundering and Contravention of the Public Procurement Act.

Sedina, who is facing a trial in absentia after the court had declared her “absconded” was the Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) from November, 2013 to January, 2017.

Whilst, Daniel Axim, is the former Chief Operations Officer at MASLOC was ever present in court.

MASLOC is a government agency set up to assist small and medium scale businesses with low interest loans.

The Court has directed both the Prosecution and the defence to file their written submission by March 22 before its judgement on April 16.

Mrs Tamakloe who is the first accused person has been declared ‘absconded’ by the Court after failing to appear in court upon been granted permission by the Court for the past two years and is being tried in absentia.

Charges

Counts one to 35 are on charges of Stealing and Conspiracy to Commit Crime namely Stealing contrary to section 23(1) and 124(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29).

Counts 36 to 68 are on Causing Financial Loss to the State, Willfully Causing Financial to the State and Conspiracy to Commit Crime namely Willfully Causing Financial to the State all of which are contrary to section 23(1) and 179A (3)(a) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29).

Counts 70 and 71 bother on Causing Loss to Public Property, contrary to section 2 of the Public Property Protection Act 1977 (SMCD 140).

Furthermore, counts 72 and seventy three 73 has the statement of offence captured as Improper Payment of Public Funds contrary to section 96(1)(c) of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).

Counts 74 charges the first accused person, Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu, with Unauthorised Commitment, Resulting in Financial Obligation for the Government contrary to section 96(1)(a) of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).

Counts 75) to 78 preferred charges of Money Laundering contrary to section 1(1)(c) of Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2008 (Act 749) and Contravention of the Public Procurement Act contrary to section 92(1), and 40(1)(a) of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).

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A 30-year-old Nigerian has been arrested for allegedly sodomizing a 12-year-old boy at Kasoa Adade in the Awutu Senya East Municipality of the Central region.

Sources say the suspect, Joshua Benson lives in the same vicinity with the victim and is well-known to his family.

Per reports gathered, the suspect lures the children with gifts and coerce them into having sexual relations with him.

After sodomizing the victim, he reportedly threatened him not to tell anyone but the victim, who was in severe pain informed his parents.

The victim parents reported the issue to the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit [DOVVSU] and he was promptly arrested.

It was further revealed that, more children in the vicinity has suffered same fate.

Adom News correspondent, Seth Kofi Adjei who filed the report said the suspect will be arraigned on Tuesday, February 26.

The Hohoe Magistrate’s Court has granted a GH¢10,000 bail to Korkuvi Atiga, a farmer, with one surety over allowing his domestic animals to stray into neighbours’ farms, causing damage to their crops, among other things.

Atiga pleaded not guilty to the charge and will reappear on March 14, 2024.

The prosecutor, Frank Azila-Gbettor, told the court, presided over by John Evans Ocran, that the accused person lived at Fodome Lormnava, a farming community in the Fodome Traditional Area of the Volta Region.

He was engaged in the rearing of domestic animals including sheep and goats in the community, the prosecutor said.

In October 2021, the Environmental Health Officer of the area received a series of reports from the community that Atiga had released his animals, which strayed into farmlands to destroy the crops of neighbours.

He said an officer of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit visited the community to educate the accused person to construct a pen for his animals and refrain from releasing them to roam the community.

The officer also noted that Atiga did not take good care of the animals, which made offensive noises at night when mating, disturbing the sleep of community members.

The accused person was educated to repair his damaged pen to safely keep the animals but failed to heed the advice.

The Municipal Environmental Health Unit then instructed the Unit Committee members to capture any stray animal in the community, but the members faced resistance from the accused person.

However, the unit committee members were able to arrest five stray sheep belonging to the accused person on August 14, 2022, but the issue was resolved after he promised not to repeat the offence.

That withstanding, the nuisance continued until October 17, 2022, when three of his stray sheep were caught and transported to the office but Atiga again asked for pardon and was forgiven.

On December 26, 2023, a community member arrested three stray sheep on his farm and deposited them at Fodome Helu police station, which were later brought to the Environmental Health Unit at Hohoe.

The prosecution said five days later the accused person asked his wife to retrieve the animals, but the officer asked Atiga to report to the office himself to meet with the farmer to assess the cost of damage to his crops.

Atiga failed to report to the office and continued to let his animals loose without any regard for advice, leading to his summons to the court.

A Tema Circuit Court has sentenced Eric Gyimah, a mobile phone seller to 15 years imprisonment in hard labour for robbing a taxi driver of his taxicab.

Gyimah, who had pleaded not guilty to two counts of robbery and dishonestly receiving, was handed the sentence after a full trial.

Before his sentence, Gyimah had pleaded for leniency from the court, but the prosecution objected to the plea, stating that the convict did not show any remorse during the trial.

The prosecution added that the sentence must serve as a deterrent to others with the same intentions.

The court, presided over by Agnes Opoku Banie, also ordered Gyimah to refund GH¢3,000.00 to Daniel Darius Annang, the complainant he robbed with the help of two others now at large.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) George Doe, prosecuting, told the court that the complainant, who is a driver and resides in Haatso, a suburb of Accra, was in charge of an ash and yellow Toyota Vitz taxicab with registration number GC 2668-22 on May 13, 2023, at about 13.30 hours around the Accra Mall.

The prosecution said Gyimah and his accomplices, who were standing by the roadside, signalled the cab to stop, which he obliged. They then informed the complainant of their intention to hire his service from the Accra Mall to a building site in the Central University area of Dawhenya.

The prosecution said after agreeing on the charge, the convict sat on the front seat near the complainant in the taxicab, while his accomplices sat in the back seat, and upon reaching an isolated place near the Central University campus, Gyimah asked him to stop for him to alight, which he obliged.

The prosecution said the moment he stopped the car, the two men seated behind him used a rope to pull his neck, while the convict dipped his hand into the pocket of his trousers and removed GH¢3,000 from it.

The court was informed that Gyimah then got out of the taxicab, walked to the driver’s side, opened the door, and ordered the complainant to either come out of the taxi or be killed.

According to the prosecution, his accomplices then released the rope from his neck, and he came out of the taxi and handed the ignition key to Gyimah upon his command.

The prosecution said the convict then sat behind the steering wheel of the taxicab and drove off with the vehicle, which contained the complainant’s Samsung phone valued at GH¢2,000.00, driver’s license, and a Ghana Card.

The prosecution said the victim subsequently made a complaint at the Dawhenya Police Station, and through police investigations, the Adidome Police arrested Gyimah who was then driving the taxicab.

The prosecution said Gyimah said in his caution statement that someone by the name of Michael gave the taxicab to him to sell on his behalf.

The prosecution said the complainant was invited to identify the taxicab at the police station with all the necessary documents; however, he discovered that the colour of the car had been changed from taxi to private, and the number plate had also changed from GC2668-22 to GC8017-22.

He said the chassis number on the document produced by the complainant corresponded with that of the vehicle the convict was caught driving.

ASP Doe said the complainant also identified the accused to the police as the leader of his attackers.

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A 30-year-old salesperson accused of stealing GH¢61,000 belonging to his employer, a pastor, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.

Evans Odunu is accused of siphoning the amount being sales of spare parts he sold to customers.

Charged with two counts of stealing, Odunu pleaded not guilty.

The court presided over by Afia Owusua Appiah admitted Odunu to bail in the sum of GH¢85,000 with two sureties to be justified.

The matter has been adjourned to March 26, 2024.

Prosecution led by Inspector Nana Akua Boatemah said the complainant; Rev. John Blewube was a pastor and a businessman and Odunu a.k.a. Kojo a salesperson at the complainant’s shop at Abossey Okai.

On December 22, 2022, the Prosecution said Odunu made sales of GH¢15,00 after selling shocks and hubs spare parts of Hyundai Accent, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Honda Civic, Pilot, and Fit, and Toyota Camry but failed to account to the complainant.

Inspector Boatemah said on November 6, 2023, the complainant detected that the accused person had sold the following engines: KIA Rio 2008 Model, Kia Forte 2010, Santafe 2010 and 2005, Nissan Altima 2003 model, all totaling GH¢46,000.

The prosecution said Odunu was unable to render accounts.

During investigations, it was confirmed that the above-mentioned spare parts were sold but the accused person said the money was stolen.

In the case of the GH¢46,000 worth of spare parts, the accused person said a customer bought them, but he failed to pay him, and the customer could also not be traced.

The prosecution said the accused person was unable to lead the Police to either the shop or house of the said customer.

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A 21-year-old driver’s mate, Jeffery Johnson, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for robbery and causing harm.

Johnson and his absconded accomplices are alleged to have robbed two complainants of their mobile phones.

Johnson, during the robbery, allegedly stabbed Ebenezer Dapaah, the first complainant, on his right hand before robbing him of his phone and that of the second complainant, Rosemary Akorli.

The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.

The court presided over by Afia Owusua Appiah remanded him into Police custody to reappear on March 7, 2024.

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu, told the court that the complainant, Ebenezer Dapaah, was a chef, and the second complainant, Rosemary Akorli, was a kitchen assistant. They both work at Papaya Food Company.

According to Chief Inspector Alorwu, the accused is a resident of Teshie.

On February 17, 2024, between the hours of 1:00 am and 1:30 am, Johnson together with his accomplices, currently on the run, rode their motorbike to the complainant‘s house and met the two of them.

The prosecution said Johnson stabbed Dapaah with a pair of scissors on his right hand and succeeded in robbing the complainants of one iPhone X, one Huawei phone and an Itel phone, all valued at GH¢4,200.

The prosecution said the complainants raised an alarm and folks in the area arrested Johnson, but his accomplices fled with the motorbike.

The prosecution said the complainants handed him over to the Teshie Police patrol team.

A search conducted on the accused person revealed one Itel phone belonging to the complainant and the pair of scissors the accused person used in committing the robbery.

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A 30-year-old salesperson accused of stealing GH₵61,000 belonging to his employer, a pastor, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.

Evans Odunu is accused of siphoning the amount being sales of spare parts he sold to customers.

Charged with two counts of stealing, Odunu has pleaded not guilty.

The court presided over by Mrs Afia Owusua Appiah has admitted Odunu to bail in the sum of GH₵85,000 with two sureties to be justified.

The matter has been adjourned to March 26, 2024.

Prosecution led by Inspector Nana Akua Boatemah said the complainant; Rev. John Blewube  was a pastor and a businessman and Odunu a.k.a. Kojo is a salesperson at the complainant’s shop at Abossey Okai.

On December 22, 2022, Prosecution said Odunu made sales of GH₵15,00 after selling shocks and hubs spare parts of Hyundai Accent, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Honda Civic, Pilot and Fit and Toyota Camry but failed to account to the complainant.

Inspector Boatemah said on November 6, 2023, the complainant detected that the accused person had sold the following engines: KIA Rio 2008 Model, Kia Forte 2010, Santafe 2010 and 2005, Nissan Altima 2003 model, all totaling GH₵GHC46,000.

Prosecution said Odunu was unable to render accounts.

During investigations, it was confirmed that the above-mentioned spare parts worth GHC15,000 were sold but the accused person said the money was stolen.

In the case of the GH₵46,000 worth of spare parts, the accused person said a customer bought them, but he failed to pay him, and the customer could also not be traced.

Prosecution said the accused person was unable to lead the Police to either the shop or house of the said customer.

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The Asante Bekwai Circuit Court has remanded a 36-year-old businessman accused of stealing items valued at GH¢36,100.00.

Abubakar Sadiq, alias Usher, has denied breaking into a house to steal items that included a television set, sound system, wax prints, lace fabrics, ladies’ bags and shoes, cellular phones, wristwatches and perfumes, among others.

He will be brought back to the Court presided over by Isaac Apeatu on March 7, 2024.

The Court ordered the prosecution to file its disclosure and serve it on the accused within 14 days of the next case management conference.

Meanwhile, a bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of Kofi Sadiq, alias “Survival” and Eric Oduro, alias Oduro, who are both suspected of receiving the stolen items and are currently on the run.

Police Chief Inspector Christian Amartey told the court that the complainant, Aisha Saeed, a hairdresser and the accused persons lived at Pakyi No. 2.

He said the complainant travelled from Pakyi No. 2 to Accra in September 2022, and Sadiq and his accomplices opened her door and took away the belongings.

The prosecution said they took GH¢36,100 worth of items, including a television set, sound system, stabilizer, three sneakers, 25 wax prints, ten ladies’ handbags, a center table, a mattress, perfumes, wig oil, watches, and other valuables, before going into hiding.

A witness who saw Sadiq and his accomplices take the items informed the complainant, who returned to Pakyi No.2 after her trip to confirm the story.

According to Chief Inspector Amartey, the complainant went to the police to make a report and Sadiq was tracked down to his home, but he managed to escape arrest.

Sadiq was arrested on February 18, 2023, at 2000 hours after a tip-off, and in his cautionary statement, he denied knowledge of the theft and accused Kofi of stealing the complainant’s items.

Chief Inspector Amartey stated that on her way home following Sadiq’s arrest, the complainant saw her center table in Oduro’s shop at Pakyi No.2, identified it as hers, and Oduro returned it to her, which she subsequently took to the police station.

The prosecution said that Kofi, who bought the complainant’s mattress from Sadiq, was arrested and confirmed in his cautionary statement that he had the item in his possession.

The mattress has been retrieved and kept as an exhibit.

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An unidentified man, believed to be in his 30’s has been found dead by the Nsawam District Police.

The decomposing body was found under a high tension pole in the bush at ‘Combined Farm’ at Dobro, near Nsawam in the Eastern Region.

The deceased is believed to have been electrocuted while attempting to steal a copper cable connecting lightening arrestors.

A plier was found close to the body of the deceased.

The Police was alerted of a decomposing body by a security man, and moved to the scene to take custody of it.

The body of the man has since been deposited at the Police Hospital for preservation and autopsy.

Mr Emmanuel Akinie, Accra West Regional General Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), in a news briefing cautioned customers to desist from interfering with electricity installations without the requisite authority from the company.

“In recent times, we have recorded incidents of theft and destruction of some of our equipment. Beyond the huge cost the company bears to replace such stolen or vandalised equipment, it also poses danger to properties, and lives of these criminals,” he said.

Mr Akinie advised all to be vigilant and report any unusual activity around ECG’s installations to the nearest ECG office or to the Police.

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The Duayaw-Nkwanta Circuit Court has granted GH¢100,000 bail with two sureties each to four students of the Bechem Presbyterian Senior High School (PRESEC) who allegedly gang-raped a 15-year-old first year.

Other two suspects, Hamida Kyeremaa and another (name withheld) who were charged with aiding and abetment of crime, were also granted GH¢100,000 bail with two sureties and one to be justified, by the court presided over by Justice Akosua Serwaa Sarfo.

Proceedings were heard in camera on Monday, but the Ghana News Agency (GNA) learnt the Court ordered suspects, Agyem Frimpong, Emmanuel Ankama, one Osman, Hamida and the other suspect to remain in Police custody until they meet the bail condition.

Police are still on a manhunt for one other suspect in the case, believed to be the ringleader of the gang.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Daniel Gadzepke, the prosecutor, told the GNA in a telephone interview that a case management conference would be held in the next hearing for the plea of the suspects to be taken.

They would reappear before the Court on Monday, March 18, 2024.

At the time of filing this report, DSP Gadzepke said none of the suspects had been able to meet the bail condition, saying they would be sent to prison remand if they were unable to meet the terms.

On Saturday, February 10, 2024, at around 2130 hours, five of the suspects, all final year students, allegedly gang-raped the unsuspecting victim in a dilapidated structure on the school’s compound, after accomplice Hamida lured and handed her (victim) over to them.

A medical report from the Duayaw-Nkwanta St John of God Catholic Hospital confirmed the victim had been raped.

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A 38-year-old man has been hospitalised after he was stabbed with a pair of scissors by a suspect who accused him of gossiping about him.

Saidu Dauda was reportedly stabbed in the left rib and left shoulder by one Musah Fuseini, who has since been arrested and remanded by the court.

The police said Dauda and Fuseini openly fought after the latter had accused the former of gossip, around 6:50 pm on February 14, 2024.

According to a police statement, Fuseini went into hiding after committing the heinous crime but was arrested, detained and remanded.

“On February 14, 2024 at 7.30pm, one Sulemana Seidu of Moshie Zongo, Kumasi called at the station and reported that same day at about 6.50pm, his elder brother by name Saidu Dauda aged 38 years, was stabbed on the left rib and shoulder by one Musah Fuseini and fled after perpetrating act.

“According to the complainant, it is alleged that the suspect accused the victim of gossiping about him. Subsequently, a misunderstanding ensued between them which resulted in a quarrel between the two.

“Both were separated. Unknown to victim, suspect passed behind him and stabbed him on the left rib and left shoulder with a sharp instrument, believed to be either a knife or a pair of scissors,” the report said.

The Tafo-Pankrono District Police statement also said the victim sustained stab wounds, bled profusely and was rushed to KATH “where he remains on admission.”

The same day, the police said, Musah Fuseini was arrested at his hideout at Moshie Zongo, and he was arraigned before the Old Tafo Circuit Court on February 16, 2024, where he was remanded into police custody to assist with investigations.

The police said suspect would re-appear in court on February 26, 2024.

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An Accra Circuit Court has ordered the arrest of a 36-year-old administrator for allegedly defrauding a businessman of $50,000.

This came after it issued the bench warrant requested by the Police.

Mary Dede Doku is accused of collecting $50000 from the complainant in 2021 under the pretext of purchasing a 2020 Range Rover Sport but failed.

Doku, charged with defrauding by false pretences, failed to turn up in court when the matter was called.

Mr William Newman, counsel for Doku informed the court that his client had travelled and was not in Ghana.

The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Seth Frimpong, said it was the first time the Police heard that the accused person had travelled.

It therefore prayed the court, presided over by Mr Isaac Addo, to issue the bench warrant for the accused person’s arrest.

The matter has been adjourned to March 27, 2024.

The case of prosecution is that the complainant, Dennis Ahiable Isaac Owusu, resides at Nungua.

The accused person is domiciled in the USA.

In 2021, the complainant met Doku and informed her of his desire to purchase a vehicle.

Doku agreed, and the complainant gave $50,000 to her to purchase a 2020 Range Rover Sport for him.

The accused person, however, failed to deliver the vehicle despite the complainant’s demand for it.

The prosecution told the court that in 2022, Doku told the complainant that the dealer had sold the vehicle.

Doku then promised to refund the money to the complainant but failed to do so.

On October 26, 2022, the complainant reported the case at the Auto Theft Unit of the Ghana Police Service and the accused person was arrested.

In her caution statement, Doku admitted collecting $50,000 from the complainant to purchase the vehicle for him.

According to Doku, she had reported a case against her dealer in the United States of America.

The prosecution said during investigations, Doku refunded $20,000, leaving a balance of $30,000.

All efforts made by the complainant to get Doku to refund the rest of the money had proved futile.

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The Asante Bekwai Circuit Court has convicted a tricycle rider (Pragya) who knocked down a female teacher and crashed a soldier who intervened.

The Court however deferred the sentence to March 7, 2024, to allow the family of the errant driver to reach out to the victims on their medical treatment settlement.

Christian Kpornyo is facing charges of riding without a licence, dangerous riding, negligently causing harm and failure to attend to the injured persons.

Kpornyo admitted riding without a license and negligently causing harm to Charlotte Okyere and Private Kofi Takyi, thus, he was convicted on his own plea.

He also denied riding dangerously and was guilty with an explanation for failure to attend to the injured persons.

Police Chief Inspector David Amofa told the Court presided over by Isaac Apeatu that on February 9, 2024, at about 0930 hours, Kpornyo was in charge of his tricycle at Senfi with the registration number M-21 AS2215 when he rode dangerously, hitting Charlotte.

He said Kpornyo after hitting and running, was given a chase by soldiers: Kofi Takyi and Dominic Ofori. They arrested him and asked him to send the tricycle to the Senfi Police Station but he refused.

Chief Inspector Amofa said Kpornyo, the accused person, then started riding towards Dominase, thus, Ofori got down, leaving Private Takyi in it.

Kpornyo, the Court heard told Takyi that he would send him to Dominase to teach him a lesson but he later fell from the tricycle when the rider drove in a zigzag manner.

The prosecution said Private Takyi got head and body injuries as he became unconscious.

All this while, Ofori was still running after him until he intercepted him at a section of the road and he asked of his colleague, but Kpornyo could not tell him his whereabouts.

Police said after a search, Ofori found Takyi unconscious with multiple injuries. He was rushed to the Dominase Hospital where he was admitted and treated for two weeks. Charlotte was also treated and discharged.

Chief Inspector Amofa said a formal complaint was lodged with the Police, leading to Kpornyo’s arrest.

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The Jirapa Area Youth and Development Association (JAYDA), has called on investigative agencies to expedite its probe into the killing of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Royale Cosy Hills Hotel in the Upper West Region.

Reports indicate that the CEO of the hotel also known as ‘Jirapa Dubai’, Eric Johnson was killed in his private residence by the assailant(s).

According to the association, the deceased was a dynamic individual who brought Jirapa to the limelight; therefore, those who took his life must be brought to book.

“We also urge the investigative agencies to expedite action to conclude the investigations as a matter of urgency and put all those found to be implicated before the law courts for justice to take its course and served expeditiously,”the statement said.

The press statement was signed by the President of the group, Musah W.Cheyuo, and the Secretary, Sebastian Languon.

Portions of the statement also advised individuals with information on the killers to support the police.

“In this regard, we call on all and sundry to lend their support to the ongoing investigations to ensure that the perpetrator(s) of this heinous crime is/are brought to book.

“It is our hope that all persons who have information relating to the matter, no matter how remote, will volunteer same to the Investigating agencies.

“Indeed, we urge them to do so willingly and promptly,” the statement added.

The statement also advised members of the community to remain calm and provide any assistance to security agencies to facilitate the process.

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Ghanaian social media personality Mona Faiz Montrage, popularly known as Hajia4Real, has pleaded guilty in the $2m romance scam case in the United States (U.S).

Information on the US Attorney’s Office website, says she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money on Wednesday, February 21.

This charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. 

The US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, announced the development.

“Mona Faiz Montrage knowingly received money stolen from older Americans through romance scams and was arrested abroad and now faces serious consequences for her actions,” he said.

Attorney Williams insisted that the romance scam harmed vulnerable, elderly victims who had to face the tough reality that their romantic connections online were fake.

“This Office and our law enforcement partners are relentless in bringing fraudsters who target Americans to justice, no matter where they are,” he added.

Hajia4Real has also agreed to pay forfeiture for $2,164,758.41 and make restitution in the same amount. 

She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty later.

Background

Hajia4Reall was extradited to the United States from the United Kingdom over her alleged involvement in a $2 million romance scam locally called ‘sakawa’ targeting older, single Americans, in May 2023.

Prosecutors said she was charged with conspiracy to commit and committing wire fraud and money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.

She was also charged with receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail, and conspiracy to receive stolen money, with a maximum of five years.

According to the prosecution, from at least in or about 2013 through in or about 2019, the Influencer was a member of a Criminal Enterprise based in Ghana that committed a series of frauds against individuals and businesses in the United States.

The Enterprise, they indicated, frequently conducted the romance scams by sending the victims emails, text messages, and social media messages that deceived the victims into believing that they were in romantic relationships with a person who was, in fact, a fake identity assumed by members of the Enterprise. 

Once members of the Enterprise had successfully convinced victims that they were in a romantic relationship and had gained their trust, they convinced the victims, under false pretences, to transfer money to bank accounts the victims believed were controlled by their romantic interests, when, in fact, the bank accounts were controlled by members of the Enterprise.

The prosecution noted that Hajia4Reall received money from several victims of romance frauds whom members of the Enterprise tricked into sending money. 

Among the false pretences used to induce victims to send money to Hajia4Reall were payments to transport gold to the U.S. from overseas payments to resolve a fake FBI investigation, and payments to assist a fake U.S. Army officer in receiving funds from Afghanistan.

In total, Hajia4Reall controlled bank accounts that received over $2 million in fraudulent funds from the Enterprise.

But, the socialite initially pleaded not guilty to all charges in May 2023 and was later released on bail.

On June 26, 2023, she reiterated her innocence in a now-deleted post on Instagram. She expressed appreciation to her fans for “your love and prayers showed to me during these difficult times.”

She added that it is only a matter of time before she is vindicated.

“There is a time for everything, and the world will come to know the truth, and my story will be heard,” she wrote in the caption.

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Two people have been apprehended by the Awutu Bereku District Police Command for allegedly robbing students of Awutu Winton Senior High School (SHS).

The suspects who were caught in the act were severely beaten by the students. According to reports, the incident occurred during a football match at the school.

As the students were engrossed in the football game, the suspects took advantage of the distraction caused by the noise and commotion to target individuals who had moved away from the main group to make phone calls.

The two suspects purportedly laid ambush in the bush near the school to attack and manhandled their victims.

But luck run out on them when they were spotted and caught red handed by other students who raised alarm and were subjected to severe beatings.

But for the intervention of police officers from the Awutu Bereku District Police Command, they would have been lynched.

The suspects are said to be in critical condition are being monitored to face the full rigours of the law.

Two individuals implicated in the murder of the late Abuakwa North MP, Joseph Boakye (J.B.) Danquah-Adu has been charged before the High Court for conspiracy to commit robbery and murder.

The disclosure was made by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, during his presentation on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, February 20.

According to the Attorney-General, the two accused persons engaged in a spree of robberies on the night of February 8, 2016. However, the second accused returned home after a disagreement between them.

Subsequently, on Monday, February 9, 2016, the first accused proceeded to rob the residence of the late J.B. Danquah, who resided with his family in a one-storey building at East Legon, Accra.

Mr Dame explained that at the time of the incident, the deceased MP was asleep alone when the first accused entered his room.

He emphasised that a struggle ensued between the first accused and the late Abuakwa North MP, resulting in the former stabbing him deeply in the neck and chest. As a consequence, J.B. Danquah collapsed and succumbed to his injuries.

“The first accused also sustained injuries in his palm and on his chest,” he clarified.

The Attorney-General further detailed that the first accused absconded with three mobile phones belonging to JB Danquah after the tragic event.

He informed Parliament that the prosecution had presented eight witnesses in the case, with the final witness, the investigator in the matter, currently testifying and was further cross-examined by the defense today, February 20.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Retired Daniel Nkrumah, an investigator, has told an Accra High Court that Daniel Asiedu, aka Sexy Dondon, murdered former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North, J. B Danquah Adu.

According to ASP Nkrumah, there was clear proof that Asiedu was present at the crime scene.

ASP Nkrumah stated this during his cross-examination by Mr Yaw Dankwa, defence counsel for Asiedu and Vincent Bossu (aka Junior Agogo) before an Accra High Court.

Daniel Asiedu is being held for allegedly murdering the former Abuakwa North MP at his residence in 2016 at Shaishie in Accra.

Asiedu has denied the charges of murder and robbery preferred against him.

Bossu and Asiedu have been charged with conspiracy to commit crime to wit robbery. Bossu has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

ASP Nkrumah denied that he had failed the accused persons and the people of Ghana by ascertaining who killed J.B Danquah Adu.

“I am in court to tell the truth. It was the first accused person (Daniel Asiedu) who killed J.B Danquah Adu. Per our investigations, the killer was found, and it was no other than the first accused person (Asiedu).”

The case investigator disputed the defence counsel’s claim that he was present during the former MP’s death but continued to blame Asiedu for the crime.

He also disputed the defence counsel’s assertion that the Ghana Police Service would have been in disarray if he and the service had not tied the MP’s death to Asiedu.

ASP Nkrumah told the Court that when the murder case was reported, Assistant Commissioner of Police Daniel Abandoe led a team of officers to the crime scene.

The witness explained that despite being the main investigator, he was also the recorder at the crime scene.

According to him, the team played various roles in the deceased house.

ASP Nkrumah he could not tell the “specific time that the deceased body was conveyed from his house to the mortuary.

The investigator informed the court that the deceased arrived home between 11:00 and 11:50 p.m. on the day of the event.

Defence Counsel then informed the investigator that one Apraku, a security officer, had given a statement claiming that the deceased arrived home at 1:00 a.m. on the day of the incident.

When the defence counsel questioned the case investigator about the deceased’s arrival time on the day of the incident, ASP Nkrumah stated that the differences did not undermine the witness’s credibility.

He told the court that when the team took the MP’s body to the mortuary, a relative of the late MP identified it to the police.

The court presided over by Mrs Justice Lydia Osei Marfo has adjourned the matter to Thursday. February 22, 2024.

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I don’t personally know anything about the death of J.B. Danquah – Security man

Lawyer for Daniel Aseidu, the man accused of masterminding the murder of  a former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North Constituency, Joseph Boakye Danquah, has accused the investigative team of deliberately withholding critical information from the Court to cover up its poor investigations into the case.

The lawyer Yaw Dankwah, during cross examination of the eighth prosecution witness, ASP Augustine Nkrumah, questioned why the witness could not provide answers to some questions he posed to him.

ASP Nkrumah told the Court that he could not tell the time the body of the late JB Danquah was removed from the crime scene and deposited at the mortuary.

He was also unable to establish which medical doctor certified the death of the deceased because he was not at the crime scene at that time.

This did not go down well with the Lawyer who questioned why he, as the substantive investigator and recorder in the matter could not provide answers to pertinent issues but accuse Daniel Asiedu of committing the crime.

ASP Nkrumah said, per their investigations, Daniel Aseidu committed the crime, and that can be proven with enough evidence from the crime scene.

Mr. Dankwa suggested to ACP Nkrumah that he was unable to tell the time, the body was removed from the crime scene and who certified the death of the deceased because their investigation was shabby and the team intentionally kept that information, because if the time was stated on the record, it would have clearly shown that the accused was nowhere near the crime scene.

The witness, however, disputed the claim, insisting that he was in court to testify to the truth and nothing else.

Lawyer Dankwah put it to the witness that his team has failed Ghanaians on the real culprits in the murder of the late lawmaker and is persecuting Daniel Asiedu and his accomplice Vincent Boosu.

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Osino Presby Senior High Technical students (SHTS) in the Eastern region is under heavy police deployment following the violent attack on Monday that claimed one life.

The move by the Fanteakwa South District Security Council (DISEC) is to restore calm and order into the area as well as ensure safety of residents.

In addition, Starr FM reports the Ghana Education Service(GES) and DISEC are considering a temporarily shut down of the school.

According to reports, a student from Nsutam Senior High Technical School was passing through Osino SHS and was accosted by some students in a renewed feud.

The culprits are said to have assaulted the victim, seized his and GHC10.

Upon learning of the incident, the PRO of Nsuapemso, a mining firm, Kwadwo Isaac and a teacher went to OSSEC campus to address the issue.

However, upon arrival, the irate OSSEC students began pelting them with stones and sticks, prompting them to flee the scene, leaving the car behind.

The students reportedly vandalized the vehicle and set it ablaze.

The body of the deceased has since been transported to the Police Hospital in Accra for autopsy as investigations continue.

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Two men have been charged with murder for last week’s deadly shooting at the Super Bowl victory parade in Kansas City.

A woman died and 22 others were injured during the shooting, which police said stemmed from the two men arguing.

The charged men – identified as Dominic Miller and Lyndell Mays – were both shot and wounded during the incident.

Two teenagers were charged with gun and resisting arrest violations last week.

Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker of Jackson County said at a press conference on Tuesday that the two men had been charged with second-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.

Mr Mays was the one who got into an argument at the event and drew a handgun, Ms Peters Baker alleged.

Other people then drew guns during the incident, officials said. That included Mr Miller, who prosecutors believe is the one who shot and killed Lisa Lopez Galvan, 43, during the incident.

Both men are being held on a $1m (£792,000) bond. The two were initially taken to a hospital to be treated for their injuries after the shooting. They remain in hospital, where they are recovering.

Ms Lopez Galvan’s family said in a statement that they were thankful for the arrest of the two suspects.

“Though it does not bring back our beloved Lisa, it is comforting to know that the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office and the KCPD made it a top priority to seek justice for Lisa, the other shooting victims, those who had to witness this tragedy unfold and the Kansas City community,” the statement said.

Their charges are in addition to the two teenagers who were charged last week.

“These are adults,” Ms Peters Baker said, clarifying confusion about the new charges. “There are two juveniles that has been reported already pretty broadly by the news media. Those are being handled by a different office at this point in time.”

It is unclear what led to the altercation, and the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. Ms Peters Baker said that further charges may follow.

“We seek to hold every shooter accountable for their actions on that day – every single one,” she said. “So while we’re not there yet on every single individual, we’re going to get there.”

The 22 people wounded in the incident ranged in age from eight to 47, according to Kansas City police.

The shooting was one of several to take place at sports celebrations across the US in recent memory.

In June last year, a shooting at a celebration for the Denver Nuggets NBA team left 10 people wounded, including one of two people charged in relation to the incident.

Two Nigerians and a Ghanaian have been put before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a United Arab Emirates national of $60,000 in a gold case.

The accused persons are Jacob Sunday Olatunji, a 39-year-old driver and Engineer, Israel Olawale Omoley, an Achitecture and Baffour Abraham, currently at large.

They have been jointly charged with conspiracy to commit crime, to wit, defrauding and defrauding by false pretences.

Olatunji and Omoley have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court presided over by Mr Isaac Addo has admitted them to bail in the sum of GHC1 million each with sureties each.

The court further ordered the accused persons to deposit their passports in the court’s registry until directed otherwise.

The court granted them bail after defence counsel filed a motion for bail, saying the accused persons were married with children.

According to defence counsel, the accused persons would not “jump” bail and the charges preferred against them were available.

The prosecution led by Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer left the grant of bail to the court’s ‘wisdom’.

The matter has been adjourned to February 20, 2024.

Prosecution earlier told the court that the complainant Farhad Omedi, is a national of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai.

Olatunji and Omoley are Nigerians residing at Dawhenya and Lakeside in Accra, respectively.

The prosecution said in January 2024, one Abass, currently in Dubai introduced the complainant to Baffour now at large as a gold dealer living in Ghana.

Prosecution said after the introduction, complainant and Baffour started having various conversations and Baffour sent the complainant an invitation visa in the name of Mpohor Mines Company in the Western Region to enable the complainant to travel to Ghana for them to start business.

On January 22, this year, the complainant arrived in Ghana, and he was received by Olatunji, a driver to Baffour at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

The Prosecution said when the complainant arrived, Olatunji and Baffour took him to “Time Security Company” at Achimota, Accra where 30 kilogrammes of gold bars were shown to the complainant to convince him that Baffour was a real dealer of gold.

According to the prosecutor, five kg of gold bars were randomly picked in the presence of the complainant for refinery testing.

The prosecution said Sewia Mining Limited at Achimota did the testing and all tested positive.

The court heard that the complainant became convinced and after calculation, he could afford One kg of gold priced at $60,000.

The prosecution said the necessary arrangements started for the gold to be transported to Dubai.

On January 30, 2024, the complainant and Baffour on board a Chang CS55 vehicle with registration number GW 1271-20 driven by Olatunji, proceeded to the KIA with one kg of gold bar brought by the complainant.

Prosecution said on arriving at KIA, Baffour called three Customs Officers to facilitate the documentation process to enable the complainant travel with the gold to Dubai.

The Prosecutor said the three Custom Officers came for the gold and promised to deliver same to the complainant at the final stage.

The complainant, the prosecutor said, was convinced seeing the Custom Officers in their uniforms.

Again, the complainant was not scared because he had his money ($60,000) in a box on board the vehicle and Olatunji was the driver at that time.

The prosecution said the complainant waited for some time but the three customs officers and Baffour were not forthcoming with the gold.

The complainant became worried and alighted from the vehicle to look around and make a call.

Immediately, the complainant alighted, and Olatunji sped off with the vehicle together with the $60,000.

The prosecution said efforts to trace Olatunji proved futile.

On February 2, 2024, a report was made to the Police and Intelligence led to the arrest of Olatunji and Omoley at their hideout at Dawhenya.

During a search, the Police retrieved five metal bars in yellowish colour, a small safe containing an amount of $3,500 in Omoley’s possession. The prosecution said Omoley told the Police that the metals and the $3,500 were given to him by Baffour.

It said efforts were underway to apprehend Baffour.

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