By Joyce Danso
Accra, March 15, GNA – A 46-year-old businessman who allegedly collected GHC72,000 from a police officer, under the pretext of securing him two auctioned vehicles, has appeared in court.
At the Circuit Court, prosecution said George Adu-Twum, the accused, committed the offence in 2021.
He pleaded not guilty to defrauding by false pretences.
The court, presided over by Mr Isaac Addo, has admitted Adu-Twum to bail in the sum of GHC75,000 with two sureties.
Adjourning the matter to April 7, 2025, the trial judge ordered the prosecution to comply with the rules of disclosure.
Chief Inspector Daniel Ofori-Appiah, the prosecutor, said the complainant, name withheld, was a police officer residing at Weija SCC, Accra.
The accused who claimed to be a businessman, resides at Weija Gbawe, Accra.
In 2021, the complainant’s relatives were in need of a Toyota Pickup and Hyundai i30 salon car, and he discussed with a friend who introduced the accused to him.
Prosecution said the complainant met the accused at Abelemkpe and pointed at a Toyota Hilux and Hyundai i30 as vehicles being auctioned and that payments needed to be made immediately because there were other persons who had expressed interest.
After the bargaining, GHC72,000 was mobilised by Adu-Twum. GHC 40,000 was paid at the office of the accused at Abelemkpe, while GHC32,000 was handed over to him (accused) at the complainant’s office at the Ministries.
Adu-Twum promised that the auctioned vehicles would be ready in a week.
Prosecution said Adu-Twum, after collecting the money, went into hiding but he was arrested on January 15, 2025.
“During investigations he refunded an amount of GHC25,000,” prosecution told the court.
GNA
ABD