A 46-year-old businessman who allegedly collected GH¢72,000 from a police officer, under the pretext of securing him two auctioned vehicles, has appeared in court. 

At the Circuit Court, the 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 GH¢75,000 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, GH¢72,000 was mobilised by Adu-Twum. GH¢40,000 was paid at the office of the accused at Abelemkpe, while GH¢32,000 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 GH¢25,000,” the prosecution told the court.