A 46-year-old businessman, Koku Amedume Benedictus, has been hauled before the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a Ho-based businesswoman of over GH₵2.4 million under the pretext of being a representative of the National Food Buffer Stock Company.
Benedictus, who pleaded not guilty to four counts of defrauding by false pretence, was granted GH₵1 million bail with three sureties by presiding judge Basilia Adjei-Tawiah. He was further ordered to report to the police every other Tuesday and to surrender his travel documents and Ghana Card to the court registry.
The Alleged Fraud Scheme
Prosecutors led by Christopher Wonder Afeke told the court that in October 2024, the complainant discovered an unauthorized deduction of GH₵170,000 from her buffer stock account. She was introduced to Benedictus, who posed as a buffer stock supplier’s representative and offered to help.
He allegedly persuaded the complainant to invest in bulk purchases of maize and beans, claiming prices would surge due to a change in government. Between January and March 2025, she transferred a total of GH₵2,435,000 into accounts linked to Benedictus for supposed purchases.
Despite assurances and photos of maize bags sent as proof, the goods were never delivered. After repeated excuses, the complainant reported the matter to the police, leading to Benedictus’ arrest.
Court Proceedings
While defence lawyers argued that the matter was a civil transaction being converted into a criminal case, the prosecution maintained that granting bail could hamper investigations. The judge, however, ruled in favour of bail with strict conditions.
The case has been adjourned to September 12, 2025.
SOURCE: 3NEWS
