The Accra Circuit Court has granted bail to a 34-year-old businessman, Albert Tetteh Botchway, who is facing charges related to the alleged kidnapping and assault of fellow businessman Kwadwo Agyapong Berry.
Presiding Judge Susana Eduful approved Botchway’s bail at GHC50,000 with two sureties—one of whom must be an immediate family member, while the other must earn a minimum of GHC5,000 per month. The case has been adjourned to March 18, 2025, for further proceedings.
The charges stem from a reported business dispute between the two men. According to court documents, Botchway, along with two accomplices—David Burke, 34, and Promise Lamptey, 29, a security guard—allegedly conspired to abduct and assault Berry over a failed joint investment, involving an alleged misappropriation of $1.6 million.
Two additional suspects, identified as Awudu Balm and Katanga, remain at large.
The accused individuals face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime (kidnapping), kidnapping, conspiracy to commit a crime (assault), and assault. During the court hearing, Botchway pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Authorities continue investigations as the legal process unfolds.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, the lead prosecutor, the complainant, Berry, resides in Amrahia near Adenta, while the accused live in Labadi. Botchway employs Lamptey, Balm, and Katanga.
The incident allegedly began on December 14, 2024, when Berry, Botchway, and Burke interrogated one Benjamin Appiah Boateng at Laboma Beach over the alleged misappropriation of their investment funds.
Boateng was reportedly detained at Laboma Beach under Botchway’s supervision, with Berry monitoring his efforts to recover the funds.
On December 19, 2024, Burke invited Berry to Botchway’s office at Laboma Beach for a meeting. Upon arrival, Berry was led to Botchway’s office. Shortly after, Botchway left the office, and Lamptey, Balm, and Katanga entered, locking the door behind them.
The prosecution revealed that the three suspects handcuffed Berry, subjected him to severe beatings, and used an electric wire to shock him.
During the assault, the suspects accused Berry of holding $600,000 that belonged to Botchway and Burke, based on an alleged confession from Boateng. Berry was reportedly held captive in the office for over 12 hours before the Police Intelligence Department rescued him following a tip-off.
Botchway and Lamptey were arrested on January 2, 2025, for further investigations. During questioning, Lamptey admitted to the offense, claiming their actions were based on Boateng’s alleged confession implicating Berry.
Burke was later arrested on January 10, 2025, and granted police inquiry bail.
The prosecution emphasized that while charges have been filed against Botchway, Burke, and Lamptey, efforts are ongoing to apprehend Balm and Katanga, who remain at large.