The Assin Fosu District Court has convicted three young men, Francis Appiah, Emmanuel Oteng, and Emmanuel Antwi, for defrauding a 26-year-old trader, Shalean Stella Bamfo, of GH¢38,450 through a fraudulent electronic money transaction.
The incident occurred on July 21, 2026, when Appiah allegedly contacted Bamfo and falsely claimed that he had mistakenly transferred money to her. He reportedly kept her engaged in a lengthy conversation before directing her to a nearby mobile money merchant, where she was deceived into transferring GH¢38,450 through e-cash to three MTN numbers registered in the names of Saar Hassana, Rebecca Bosiako Antwi, and Sarah Gyeti Arthur.
Convicts to Refund Full Amount
The court, presided over by His Worship Abdul Majid Iliasu, ordered the convicts to refund the full amount taken from the complainant. After the court convicted the three, they refunded the entire GH¢38,450 to Bamfo.
First-Time Offenders Warned
In his ruling, His Worship Abdul Majid Iliasu took into consideration that the convicts were first-time offenders but warned them against returning to criminal activities. He cautioned that they risked imprisonment if they were arrested again for engaging in criminal conduct.
Police Unit Commended for Efforts
The court also commended the Central North Regional Police Cybercrime Unit for its efforts in investigating and combating cyber-related crimes in the region. The unit had investigated the matter involving telecommunications companies and gathered intelligence before obtaining a court order to arrest the three.
Background on Mobile Money Scams
Mobile money scams have become a significant concern in Ghana, with many individuals falling victim to such schemes. In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of mobile money transactions, making it easier for scammers to target unsuspecting individuals.
Impact of the Conviction
The conviction of the three young men sends a strong message that mobile money scams will not be tolerated in Ghana. It also highlights the importance of vigilance when engaging in electronic money transactions. As mobile money continues to grow in popularity, it is essential that individuals are aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to such scams.
The Central North Regional Police Cybercrime Unit's efforts in investigating and combating cyber-related crimes in the region have been commended by the court. This success story serves as a reminder that the Ghanaian authorities are committed to protecting citizens from such crimes.
Source: Joy Online
