Frank Osei, aged 34, and Fiifi Bright Mensah, aged 30, both self-described freight forwarders from Tema, have been arraigned before the Dansoman Circuit Court on charges related to conspiracy and defrauding by false pretences.

The charges stem from an alleged incident in February 2024 in Madina, Greater Accra Region, where they are accused of defrauding Mutala Masawood Akime, a businessman, of substantial sums of money.

Conspiracy to Commit Crime

The first count against Osei and Mensah is conspiracy to commit a crime, specifically defrauding by false pretences, as stipulated under Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The prosecution led by Chief Christopher Wonder alleged that both accused acted together with a common purpose to defraud.

Defrauding by False Pretences

The second count accuses Osei and Mensah of defrauding by false pretences, under Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). It is alleged that in February 2024, at Madina, they falsely represented to Mutala Masawood Akime that they could provide him with five Honda CRV cars in exchange for a total of US$48,000 and GH¢95,000.

The accused allegedly failed to deliver the promised vehicles after receiving the money from Akime.

Legal Proceedings

On July 18, 2024, the court presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul Baasit granted both accused persons bail upon hearing arguments from their counsel and the prosecution.

Each accused was admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢1,000,000.00 with three sureties. Two of the sureties must be public servants earning not less than GH¢10,000.00 and residing within the court’s jurisdiction, while one surety must justify their status with title deeds.

As part of their bail conditions, Osei and Mensah are required to deposit their Ghana Cards at the court registry and report to the police station weekly until further notice.

Case Background

According to the complaint filed by Mutala Masawood Akime, he engaged with the accused after being introduced by a mutual friend, Ernest Boakye, who accompanied Osei and Mensah to Akime’s shop in Madina.

The accused allegedly presented themselves as car dealers and displayed various cars on Osei’s mobile phone, claiming they were available for sale. Akime agreed to purchase five Honda CRV cars after negotiations, paying the agreed sum in cash.

However, after receiving the money, Osei and Mensah reportedly failed to deliver the cars as promised and subsequently evaded contact with Akime.

They were apprehended on July 16, 2024, at their hideout in Tema following police investigation and interrogation.

The case has been adjourned for further investigation and legal proceedings, underscoring the severity of alleged fraudulent activities committed against Mutala Masawood Akime.

Osei and Mensah remain under legal supervision as the court awaits further developments in the case.