An Accra Circuit Court has for the second time remanded Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, an online pastor, into police custody. He faces charges related to alleged romance scams involving seven complainants, with reported losses exceeding GHS 1.5 million.
Kwarteng, 35, an entrepreneur, is jointly charged with his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, a chartered accountant. They face six counts of conspiracy to commit crime, specifically defrauding by false pretenses. Inspector Frank Morgan Dorvi, leading the prosecution, opposed bail for Kwarteng, citing him as a flight risk and emphasizing ongoing investigations. The prosecution stated Kwarteng possesses an international passport, which could facilitate his departure from Ghana if released.
This case underscores a concerning trend of online fraud impacting individuals and the broader Ghanaian economy. Romance scams, like the one alleged, often target vulnerable individuals, leading to significant financial losses. Such incidents can erode public trust in online platforms and financial transactions, potentially affecting digital economic growth. The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Ghana Police Service have reported an increase in similar cases, indicating a need for enhanced public awareness and stricter enforcement against cybercrime.
Defence counsel, Mr. Yaw Danquah, disputed the prosecution’s claims, arguing his client was not a flight risk. Mr. Danquah stated Kwarteng’s Ghanaian passport is currently held by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). He also contended that the allegations against Kwarteng lack sufficient evidence, describing the prosecution's submissions as an attack on his client's character. Mr. Danquah further questioned Sally's prosecution, stating she had not committed any crime.
The court granted Sally Akosua Amoasah bail in the sum of GHS 100,000 with two sureties. She must report to the case investigator every Monday and Friday. Kwarteng faces additional charges of defrauding by false pretenses, resisting arrest, and making, producing, and possessing obscene material. Sally faces an additional charge of making, producing, and possessing obscene material. Both have denied the charges.
The amended facts presented to the court reveal that the seven complainants include an ambassador and several businesswomen. The prosecution alleges Kwarteng operated an Instagram page, "Nana Bonsu Kwarteng," with approximately 21,000 followers, where he presented himself as a pastor. Sally allegedly participated in his online services by sharing scripture verses and reading the Bible.
One complainant, a follower on Instagram, was allegedly contacted by Kwarteng in October 2024. He reportedly proposed friendship, then marriage, claiming a divine revelation. After visiting her family in Nigeria, Kwarteng allegedly requested and collected $33,000 (approximately GHS 495,000 at current exchange rates) to clear a container of car tyres. He reportedly promised repayment, knowing she had borrowed the money. When repayment was due, Kwarteng allegedly avoided her and threatened to publish her nude videos, which he had shared with Sally.
A second complainant allegedly lost GHS 25,000 using a similar method involving car tyre clearance. Kwarteng allegedly used comparable tactics with the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh complainants, including marriage proposals and family visits. The prosecution also claims Kwarteng secretly filmed intimate moments with some complainants without their knowledge. He allegedly demanded and collected $4,000 (approximately GHS 60,000) and GHS 22,000, along with other foreign currencies, from other victims.
After realizing the complainants were pursuing them, Kwarteng allegedly deactivated his Instagram page, and Sally changed hers. The couple reportedly went into hiding after police and EOCO sought them. Kwarteng allegedly failed to respond to repeated police invitations. On July 18, 2026, Kwarteng and Sally allegedly used part of the money from the complainants to celebrate their marriage in Kumasi. They were arrested at a hideout on July 20, 2026, where Kwarteng reportedly attempted to escape.
Investigations revealed Sally registered a sole proprietorship company in her name, allegedly to create an impression of legitimate business operations. Further investigations uncovered several secret sexual recordings involving different women, allegedly used by Kwarteng for blackmail when victims demanded refunds. Kwarteng is also reportedly involved in other similar cases before EOCO and the Nima Police. Additional individuals have contacted the police, claiming to be victims of Kwarteng's alleged romance scam activities since 2021.