A 44-year-old businessman, Anthony Appiah, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court over allegations that he defrauded a businesswoman of GH¢480,000 under the pretext of securing funds to execute a distribution contract with BEL-AQUA Company.
Appiah has pleaded not guilty to the charge of defrauding by false pretences. The case follows a complaint by the businesswoman, who allegedly gave the accused the money after he promised to repay it within two weeks.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred in May 2025 when Appiah allegedly approached the complainant and informed her that he had secured a distribution contract with BEL-AQUA Company.
He reportedly told the businesswoman that he needed US$50,000 to execute the contract and appealed to her for financial assistance. The complainant, who was said to be acquainted with the accused, allegedly agreed to provide the money.
The prosecution said the businesswoman subsequently handed over GH¢480,000 to Appiah after he promised to refund the amount within two weeks.
However, the accused allegedly failed to repay the money after the agreed period had elapsed. The complainant reportedly made several attempts to recover the funds but was unsuccessful.
The prosecution further told the court that the complainant contacted BEL-AQUA Company to verify the claim that Appiah had secured a distribution contract.
She was allegedly informed that the company had neither awarded him the contract nor engaged him in any capacity, raising concerns about the circumstances under which the money had been obtained.
Following the alleged discovery, the complainant reportedly petitioned the police, prompting investigations into the matter. Appiah was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the alleged transaction.
The court granted the businessman bail in the sum of GH¢500,000, with two sureties. One of the sureties is required to be a public servant earning a monthly salary of not less than GH¢4,000.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Emmanuel Nyamekye is leading the prosecution in the case.
The allegations have brought attention to the risks associated with financial transactions based on claims of business contracts, particularly where substantial sums are advanced on the promise of future repayment.
The case is expected to proceed through the judicial process, where the prosecution will have to establish its allegations against the accused. Appiah’s plea of not guilty means that the allegations remain unproven, and he is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Source: Thepressradio.com
