Dansoman Circuit Court has granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million to a 46-year-old man, Koku Amedume Benedictus, who is accused of defrauding a businesswoman in Ho of GH¢2,435,000 under the pretext of supplying maize and beans.
Presided over by Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah, the court ordered that three sureties be provided, two of whom must be justified, while the third must be a public servant earning not less than GH¢5,000 monthly.
Benedictus is facing four counts of defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
According to court documents, the complainant, Mary Lolo, was allegedly persuaded by Benedictus, who presented himself as a Special Aide to the Volta Regional Minister and Spokesperson for the School Feeding Programme, to invest in bulk supplies of maize and beans.
He reportedly assured her of discounted prices and used photos of stockpiles as proof of successful purchases.
Prosecutors told the court that the transactions occurred between January and March 2025, with funds ranging from GH¢240,000 to GH¢800,000 paid into a CalBank account named “K. Titis Ent.”
The breakdown of payments included GH¢500,000 on January 3, GH¢600,000 on January 16, GH¢240,000 on February 11, and GH¢800,000 on March 13.
Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, the prosecutor, explained that whenever Lolo requested delivery of the goods, Benedictus allegedly offered excuses related to transport and logistics.
He is further accused of claiming that additional stock was available in Ejura at a lower cost and requested more funds from the complainant.
When the goods were not delivered, the complainant lodged a complaint with the police, leading to the arrest of the accused.
In court, Chief Inspector Wonder opposed the bail application, describing the accused as a potential flight risk and warning that his release could obstruct ongoing investigations.
He emphasised the seriousness of the offence and the amount involved.
Defence counsel, however, argued that Benedictus had been cooperative with investigators, had not attempted to abscond, and voluntarily appeared before the court.
The defence maintained that the matter bore the characteristics of a civil transaction gone wrong rather than a criminal act.
Brief fact
According to the prosecutor, Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, the complainant, Mary Lolo, was introduced to the accused through an intermediary after she noticed GH¢170,000 had mysteriously been deducted from her buffer stock account.
The Court heard that Benedictus allegedly presented himself as someone who could help her recover the funds, further strengthening his credibility before launching the maize and beans supply scam.
Benedictus remains on bail as the case continues.
Investigations are still underway, and the court has adjourned for further hearing.
