An Accra Circuit Court, presided over by His Honour Isaac Addo, has granted bail to Stephen Nii Ako Thompson, alias Nii Apenkwa, a 42-year-old building contractor; Emmanuel Adjei, alias Kalusha, a 50-year-old social worker; Dotse Anani, a 43-year-old businessman; and Laryea Paul, a 68-year-old farmer.
Each was granted bail in the sum of GH₵1,000,000.00 with two sureties, to be justified, after being accused of defrauding a real estate developer, Mohammed Abdulai, of US$70,000.00 for a parcel of land at Tse-Addo.
The four accused are facing charges of defrauding by false pretenses, contrary to Sections 23(1) and 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
Chief Inspector Jonas, presenting the facts, explained that the complainant, Mohammed Abdulai, a real estate developer residing at Tebibiano Teshie, had been searching for land to acquire at Tse-Addo in June 2024.
He was introduced to Anani, who claimed to have land available for sale. Anani introduced Paul as the owner of the land.
Following negotiations, Paul brought in Adjei, who introduced Thompson as the rightful owner and a board member of the East Dadekotopon Development Trust.
Thompson prepared a sale agreement, and on July 4, 2024, Abdulai issued a cheque for US$65,000.00 and an additional US$5,000.00 in cash as part payment for the land.
However, after making the payment, Abdulai visited the site and discovered a notice stating, “The land is not for sale.” Alarmed, he reported the matter to the police on August 2, 2024.
Investigations revealed that the land belonged to George Adjei Charway, who had not authorized the sale.
It was further discovered that Thompson had distributed GH₵100,000.00 to Adjei and Paul and paid Anani US$1,000.00, keeping the rest of the money for himself.
The accused persons were subsequently charged and brought before the court, with the hearing set to continue on November 18, 2024.
