An Accra Circuit Court has directed that the gender of Christabel Suphiar Sarkodie Tuffour, a 29-year-old radiologist based in Germany, be determined before being placed in lawful custody.

The ruling was issued on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, by His Honour Samuel Bright Acquah, who presided over the case. The directive followed a formal application made by Chief Inspector Ramata Asumah, the police prosecutor.

According to the prosecution, determining the gender of the accused is essential to ensuring appropriate placement in either male or female custody. The court acknowledged the argument, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the safety and rights of all individuals in custody.

The case has since been adjourned, pending the results of the gender determination.

Charges and Allegations

Tuffour faces multiple counts of defrauding by false pretences under Section 131 of the Criminal Offenses Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The charges stem from alleged fraudulent activities between 2023 and 2024, during which the accused is said to have collected large sums of money from victims under the guise of facilitating visa acquisitions.

According to court documents, Tuffour, working in collaboration with a Ghanaian resident in Germany identified as Ebenezer, falsely presented themselves as capable of securing German and Canadian visas.

The duo allegedly used personal meetings, false promises, and an elaborate scheme to gain the trust of 15 complainants, who sought to travel abroad in search of better opportunities.

The accused is said to have received payments amounting to €42,889, £8,500, $5,000 and GH¢230,000.

Victims made payments either into the accused’s bank accounts or directly during meetings in Ghana, including at Tuffour’s Osu apartment and the Lancaster Hotel.

Key Incidents

Among the allegations, the accused arranged an ordinance marriage with one of the victims, Kwasi Gyimah, at the La Nkwantanang District Court, claiming it would facilitate a spousal visa to Germany.

The fraudulent representations convinced the victims to part with significant sums of money.

Despite admitting to the offenses during police investigations, the accused claimed to have handed over the funds to Ebenezer, who has denied receiving any money.

Legal Proceedings

The prosecution detailed 12 counts of fraud involving different victims, including;

Defrauding Kwasi Gyimah of €10,000 and GH¢17,000.

Collecting £8,500 and €4,000 from Mark Korankye.

Receiving €3,750 from Alexander Yevu.