Richard Turkson, a 38-year-old farmer, has been arraigned before the Circuit Court in Accra for allegedly defrauding a mechanic, Forster Yaw Hedze, of GH¢52,780 under false pretenses.
Turkson is accused of promising to secure a U.S. visa and work permit for Hedze’s wife, Victoria Mensah, but failing to deliver after receiving the funds.
Court Proceedings
Presiding over the case, Her Honour Susana Eduful granted Turkson bail at GH¢80,000 with three sureties.
The court required that each surety earn at least GH¢3,000 monthly, with one being an immediate relative of the accused.
The case has been adjourned to January 29, 2025, for further hearings.
Alleged Fraud Details
The alleged fraud occurred in April 2024 when Hedze approached Turkson for assistance in securing a U.S. visa for his wife.
Turkson claimed he could facilitate the process through an associate in the U.S., identified as Isaac Nyantaki, who was allegedly involved in recruiting nurses for overseas employment.
Hedze transferred GH¢52,780 into a Fidelity Bank account provided by Turkson after being assured the visa would be ready in six weeks.
Turkson, however, reportedly ceased all communication upon receiving the funds.
Investigations revealed Turkson had withdrawn the money, and his claims about Isaac Nyantaki and a third party, Doris Nyamekye, were deemed fabrications by police.
Hedze’s complaint led to Turkson’s arrest and arraignment.
Further proceedings will determine the next steps in the case.
