An Accra Circuit Court has denied bail to Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, a 35-year-old entrepreneur accused of operating a romance scam targeting several women.
Kwarteng, who is alleged to have presented himself as an online pastor, was remanded into police custody for the second time after the prosecution opposed his bail application, describing him as a potential flight risk while investigations into the case continue.
He is facing multiple charges alongside his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, a chartered accountant. The charges include six counts of conspiracy to commit crime, namely defrauding by false pretences. Kwarteng is additionally accused of defrauding by false pretences, resisting arrest, and making, producing and possessing obscene material. His wife faces an additional charge relating to the alleged possession and production of obscene material.
Both accused persons have denied the allegations.
The prosecution, led by Inspector Frank Morgan Dorvi, argued that Kwarteng should not be granted bail because he could leave the jurisdiction. According to the prosecution, the Police had information suggesting that he possessed an international passport that could potentially facilitate his departure from Ghana.
Defence lawyer Yaw Danquah, however, disputed the claim that his client was a flight risk. He told the court that Kwarteng’s Ghanaian passport was already with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). He also argued that the allegations against his client were not supported by sufficient evidence and that the prosecution’s submissions amounted to an attack on his character.
The court granted Kwarteng’s wife bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties. She was also directed to report to the case investigator every Monday and Friday.
The prosecution says the case involves seven complainants, including an ambassador and several businesswomen. Investigators allege that Kwarteng operated an Instagram account with approximately 21,000 followers, where he presented himself as a pastor and conducted online religious services.
According to the prosecution, Kwarteng allegedly approached women through the platform and told some of them that God had revealed they were destined to become his wives. He allegedly strengthened the relationships by meeting their families and making promises of marriage.
One complainant, whom the prosecution said Kwarteng contacted in October 2024, was allegedly persuaded to give him US$33,000 to clear a container of car tyres said to be incurring demurrage charges. The prosecution claims he promised to repay the money but later avoided the woman and allegedly threatened to release intimate videos belonging to her. It further alleged that some of the videos were shared with his wife.
Another complainant was allegedly asked to provide GH¢25,000 for a similar tyre-related transaction. Prosecutors claim Kwarteng promised to repay the money after the business transaction but subsequently failed to do so.
The prosecution alleges that similar methods were used against other complainants, with Kwarteng allegedly collecting amounts including US$4,000, GH¢22,000 and other foreign currencies. Investigators also accuse him of secretly obtaining intimate photographs and videos of some women and allegedly using them to threaten or blackmail them when they demanded their money back.
The case took another turn after investigators alleged that Kwarteng and his wife deactivated or changed their social media accounts and went into hiding after being sought by the Police and EOCO.
Authorities say the pair were eventually arrested at a hideout on July 20, 2026, after intelligence led investigators to their location. The prosecution further alleged that Kwarteng attempted to escape during the arrest but was recaptured.
Police investigations have reportedly uncovered additional complaints from people who claim to have been affected by the alleged scheme, with some allegations dating as far back as 2021. The authorities have indicated that investigations remain ongoing.
The court’s decision means Kwarteng will remain in police custody as the case progresses, while his wife continues to observe her bail conditions.
The Ghana Police Service has also encouraged anyone who believes they may have been targeted by the suspect to come forward and assist investigators.
Source: Thepressradio.com
