The Assin Fosu District Court has convicted three young men for defrauding a 26-year-old trader of GHS 38,450 through a fraudulent electronic money transaction. This ruling, delivered by His Worship Abdul Majid Iliasu, mandates the convicts to refund the entire sum to the complainant, Shalean Stella Bamfo.
The incident occurred on July 21, 2026, when Francis Appiah, 24, allegedly contacted Ms. Bamfo. He falsely claimed to have mistakenly transferred money to her account. Appiah then directed her to a mobile money merchant, where she was deceived into transferring GHS 38,450 via e-cash to three different MTN numbers. These numbers were registered under the names Saar Hassana, Rebecca Bosiako Antwi, and Sarah Gyeti Arthur. Appiah later transferred GHS 6,290 to Emmanuel Antwi, 21, as his share of the fraudulent proceeds.
This case underscores the persistent threat of mobile money fraud, which continues to affect individuals and small businesses across Ghana. Such scams erode public trust in digital payment systems, which are crucial for financial inclusion and economic growth. The Bank of Ghana has consistently warned citizens about the dangers of sharing personal financial information and urged vigilance against fraudulent schemes. The increasing sophistication of these scams necessitates stronger public awareness campaigns and robust cybersecurity measures from telecommunication companies.
The prosecution detailed how Ms. Bamfo reported the deception to the Central North Regional Police Cybercrime Unit. Investigations, which involved telecommunications companies and police intelligence, led to the arrest of Appiah, Emmanuel Oteng (alias Flow Delli), 24, and Antwi at a hideout in Assin Breku. One of the accused admitted to the offence in a caution statement, strengthening the prosecution's case.
The court's decision to order a full refund is a significant step towards restitution for the victim. This outcome also sends a strong message to potential fraudsters about the consequences of such criminal activities. Going forward, law enforcement agencies will likely intensify efforts to combat cybercrime, while financial institutions may implement enhanced security protocols. Consumers must remain cautious and verify any unsolicited requests for money transfers or personal financial details to protect their assets in Ghana's rapidly digitising economy.
The judge, His Worship Abdul Majid Iliasu, considered that the convicts were first-time offenders. However, he issued a stern warning against any future criminal conduct, stating that repeat offences would result in imprisonment. He urged the young men to seek legitimate means of livelihood. The court also commended the Central North Regional Police Cybercrime Unit for their diligent investigation and commitment to combating cyber-related crimes in the region.