A 47-year-old pastor who allegedly collected $32,084 and GH₵13,760 from five persons under the pretext of securing United States of America Visas for them, but failed, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.
Bismark Quaoo Yankey, charged with five counts of defrauding by false pretences, pleaded not guilty.
The court presided over by Samuel Bright Acquah admitted Yankey to bail in the sum of GH₵300,000 with three sureties.
The court directed the accused person to report to the Police once a week and adjourned the matter to January 23, 2024.
The prosecution led by Inspector Sheila Tetteh told the court that the complainants Benjamin Tetteh Mensah, Daniel Teye, Charity Lugah, Stephen Egyir and Charles Annor were transporters, traders’ supervisors, and businessmen respectively.
It said the complainants resided at Tema Community 2 and 8, Tema Community 14 Sakumono, Kasoa and Osu respectively.
The prosecutor said the accused person also resided at Teshie, Accra.
In 2023, the prosecution said the accused person's name was mentioned to the complainants as someone who could assist them in traveling to the USA.
Based on that, the prosecution said the complainants met Yankey individually on different occasions and he confirmed that he could secure the visas for them.
Additionally, prosecution said Yankey informed the complainants that they could travel to the USA within three weeks and three months provided they were able to make payments.
The prosecution said Yankey demanded GH₵4,000 and $11, 000 each as processing fees.
It said Yankey obtained GH₵2,800 and $8,084 from Benjamin Tetteh Mensah, $9,500 from Daniel Teye, GH₵6,840 and $4,000 from Charity Lugah, $6,800 from Stephen Egyir and GH₵4,120 from Charles Annor, all totaling GH₵13,760 and $32,084.
The court heard that Yankey, after collecting the various monies, went into hiding, and efforts by the complainants to locate him to demand a refund and retrieve their documents proved futile.
The prosecution said on November 10, 2023, the complainants had information that the accused person was at his church premises which caused his arrest.
Latest Stories
-
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Sundowns, Esperance join Al Ahly and Wydad as CAF representatives
3 hours -
CAFCL: Al Ahly set up historic final with ES Tunis
3 hours -
We didn’t sneak out 10 BVDs; they were auctioned as obsolete equipment – EC
7 hours -
King Charles to resume public duties after progress in cancer treatment
7 hours -
Arda Guler scores on first start in La Liga as Madrid beat Real Sociedad
8 hours -
Fatawu Issahaku’s Leicester City secures Premier League promotion after Leeds defeat
8 hours -
Anticipation builds as Junior Speller hosts nationwide auditions
8 hours -
Etse Sikanku: The driver’s mate conundrum
9 hours -
IMF Deputy Chief worried large chunk of Eurobonds is used to service debt
9 hours -
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II celebrates 25 years of peaceful rule on golden stool
9 hours -
We have enough funds to pay accruing benefits; we’ve never missed pension payments since 1991 – SSNIT
10 hours -
Let’s embrace shared vision and propel National Banking College – First Deputy Governor
10 hours -
Liverpool agree compensation deal with Feyenoord for Slot
10 hours -
Ejisu by-election: There’s no evidence of NPP engaging in vote-buying – Ahiagbah
10 hours -
Ejisu by-election: Independent ex-NPP MP’s campaign team warns party against dubious tactics
11 hours