A 28-year-old sales personnel, Patience Darko, has been arraigned before the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding traders at Okaishie Market in Accra of goods and cash amounting to GH¢86,522 under false pretenses.
Darko, an employee of Multiple Private Limited, a company dealing in cornflakes and coco pops, has been charged with five counts of defrauding by false pretenses under Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). She pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The court, presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, granted her bail in the sum of GH¢90,000, with three sureties who must be public servants with immovable property.
Additionally, Darko is required to deposit her Ghana Card at the court registry and report weekly to the police.
Details of the Allegations
According to court documents, in November 2024, Darko allegedly collected goods and cash from traders at Okaishie Market under the pretense of supplying the items to customers and returning the proceeds.
The complainants include:
Thomas Ataagoa, businessman from Dansoman: GH¢15,597 worth of goods
Rita Osei Siaw, businesswoman from Sarpeiman: GH¢10,850 in cash
Deborah Abbew Williams, businesswoman from Kwashiman: GH¢7,415 in cash
Harriet Allotey Arthur, businesswoman from Gbawe Djanman: GH¢33,000
Selina Naa Adukai, businesswoman from Kasoa: GH¢19,625
Darko allegedly failed to deliver the goods or return the money. After receiving complaints, Rebecca Ampoh, a company supervisor, reported the matter to the police, leading to Darko’s arrest.
In her cautioned statement, Darko admitted to collecting the money but claimed it had been stolen. However, she neither reported the alleged theft to the police nor informed her employer. Following investigations, she was charged and brought before the court.
The prosecution has been directed to file all disclosures and witness statements.
The case has been adjourned to February 17, 2025, for further proceedings.
