Veteran Ghanaian actor Samuel Seth Karikari, popularly known as Koo Ofori, has been granted bail by the Dansoman Circuit Court after being remanded in police custody last Friday over allegations of defrauding a U.S.-based medical practitioner of $50,000.
The 55-year-old actor is accused of taking the money under the pretext of securing land for the complainant at Spintex, a prime residential and commercial area in Accra. According to court documents, Karikari failed to comply with a criminal summons issued to him on April 17, 2025, leading to the issuance of a bench warrant.
Presiding over the case, Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit rescinded the bench warrant on Monday, May 12, and granted bail to the actor in the sum of GH¢320,000 with three sureties ,all sureties must be justified.
As part of his bail conditions, Karikari is required to deposit his Ghana Card at the Registry of the court and report to the investigator once every month until the case is determined.
The court adjourned the case to June 25, 2025.
Background of the Case
The complainant, Dr. Emy Oduro-Burton, a medical practitioner domiciled in the United States, alleged that in 2021, Karikari convinced her to part with $50,000 (equivalent to GH¢309,000) for the purchase of a full plot of land measuring 70×100 feet at Spintex, Accra.
According to the facts presented by the prosecution, Dr. Oduro-Burton transferred the full amount to Karikari’s dollar account at Consolidated Bank Ghana.
Unknown to her, Karikari allegedly used part of the funds—GH¢170,000—to purchase only half a plot of land from one Kwaku Danso, a witness in the case and the rightful owner of the land.
When Dr. Oduro-Burton later returned to Ghana to inspect the property, she discovered the deception. Efforts to recover her money proved futile, prompting her to report the matter to the police. Karikari was arrested and, during interrogation, reportedly admitted the offence in his caution statement.
