Businessman remanded for fraud

A businessman who allegedly defrauded a woman of GH¢ 50,000.00 under the pretext of securing licence for her to operate a radio station, has been put before an Accra Circuit Court.

Alhaji Umar Gado Farouk has denied the charge of defrauding by false pretences.

The court presided over by Mr W. E. Essandoh has remanded him in Police custody to reappear on September 16.

Prosecuting Chief Inspector Francis Tassan told the court that the complainant is known as Akua Serwa who resides at Kotobabi.

Chief Inspector Tassan said Farouk live at Abelenkpe.

During the month of February, the complainant’s ex-husband called her on phone indicating that he needed a licence to operate a radio station in Kumasi hence he should assist him.

Prosecution said while the complainant was talking on phone, Farouk heard the conversation between the complainant and her ex-husband.

Accused told the complainant he could assist her secure the licence and demanded GH¢ 50,000.00 from the complainant.

Madam Serwa therefore informed her ex-husband who deposited the money in her account and forwarded the documents that would enable him secure the licence.

Chief Tassan said the documents were therefore handed over to Farouk to assist him secure the licence.

On March 30 this year Madam Serwa took Farouk to Ring Road branch of Ecobank, and withdrew GH¢ 50,000.00 and handed same to Farouk.

Farouk however could not secure the licence, hence complainant demanded a refund of the money but he failed and the complainant reported the matter to the Police.

Prosecution said Farouk led the complainant to a contractor who issued a cheque of GH¢ 8,000 to the complainant.