The Dansoman Circuit Court has granted bail to a 35-year-old consultant accused of defrauding 27 individuals under the pretext of securing Canadian visas.
Daniel Okpoti Okerchiri, a staff member of Tilly’s World of Possibilities Consultancy, was granted bail to the tune of GH¢200,000 by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, who presided over the case. The bail came with strict conditions, including the provision of three sureties—two of whom must be public servants earning a minimum of GH¢1,000 monthly.
In addition, Okerchiri has been ordered to surrender his Ghana Card and passport to the court’s registry and report to the police every fortnight.
The accused, who had been in police custody since May 9, 2025, is facing two counts: conspiracy to commit crime and defrauding by false pretence, contrary to sections 23(1) and 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). The case has been adjourned to May 12, 2025.
Presenting the facts of the case, Chief Inspector Kwadwo Aboagye stated that the complainant, Abraham Nii Okai Reindorf, a trader, was introduced to Okerchiri and a woman known only as Thelma—alleged to be the owner of the consultancy—through a contact based in Canada in June 2023.
The accused and his associate allegedly promised to facilitate Canadian visa applications for Reindorf and a group of interested individuals. Reindorf went on to mobilise 27 people and collected various sums from them, totalling GH¢159,000 and US$7,900. These funds were handed over to Okerchiri and his alleged collaborators.
However, after receiving the money, Okerchiri reportedly failed to fulfill his promise and became unreachable. A police complaint was lodged on January 26, 2025, leading to his eventual arrest.
During interrogation, Okerchiri is said to have confessed and named another individual, Adama Alifa—who is currently on the run—as the primary recipient of the funds.
So far, the accused has refunded GH¢14,600 and US$400 to the victims, including a recent GH¢10,000 payment to the complainant.
Police investigations are ongoing as authorities continue their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects.