Caterer in court for fraud

A Caterer, Stella Osei Amankwa, on Friday appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for defrauding two persons to the tune of GH¢463,470.00 under the pretence of securing them and six others visas.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of GH¢500,000.00, with three sureties. She is also to post a security deposit of GH¢150,000.00 as well as deposit her passport.

The case was adjourned to July 7.

Prosecuting Detective Chief Inspector Isaac Agbemehia told the court that the complainants are Nana Kwabah II, a traditional ruler and Jennifer Naaba trader, both residents of Tarkwa, whiles the accused person a is a self-acclaimed caterer and lives in Ashaiman.

He said in the month of October, 2013 Nana Kwabah II, met the accused person on a social media dating site known as Badoo and became friends. The accused person made a representation to the complainant and introduce herself as an American citizen who lives and works at the United State of America (USA).

He said in the course of their friendship, Stella paid a visit to the complainant at his base in Tarkwa claiming she had arrived from the USA. She spent five days with the first complainant and during her stay; the complainant introduce her to his relatives including the second complainant, Jennifer as his fiancé from the USA.

Prosecuting Detective Chief Inspector Agbemehia said when she was leaving Tarkwa, the accused person told the family of first complainant that her father is a Doctor in the USA and could process travel documents for the complainants to travel to USA.

He said based on her assertions the accused person collected GHC6000 from Nana Kwabah II through mobile money transfers to secure a flight ticket for him to travel to visit her in the United States.

Stella latter called Jennifer on MTN number 0244250979 claiming she was calling from the USA on MTN roaming service. The accused told her that in appreciation for the kind reception she was given by the complainants whilst in Tarkwa, her father Doctor Opare had decided to secure visas for her and people of her choice if they were interested to travel and live in America for a fee.

The prosecution said, Jennifer also informed others about the travelling opportunity and they expressed interest.

Following that, the accused person collected a total amount of GHC457, 470 from Jennifer through series of mobile money transfers to secure her with visas for herself and six others.

Prosecuting Detective Chief Inspector Agbemehia said Stella however failed to secure the visas and went into hiding.

He said Jennifer, who became suspicious about Stella’s disappearance reported the matter to the police who tracked and arrested.

During investigations, she claimed she gave the money to doctor Opare but could not assist the police to trace the said doctor.