Statesman Editor In Fraud Charge

THE Editor of the Statesman, Mr Gabby Asare Otchere Darko, has been sued for the refund of an amount of ?1,320 (?18,800,000.00) being the balance of monies paid to him for the acquisition of a British Visa, which he promised to obtain for the daughter of a Ghanaian based in the United Kingdom, but which he failed to do.

The money was paid to him in September 1999, by one Madam Cecilia Azantilow, who at the time was based in London, to help the daughter join her from Ghana.

It was agreed that the entire arrangement would cost the woman an amount of ?2,500.00.

In pursuance of the said agreement, Madam Cecilia Azantilow paid to Mr Otchere Darko an initial deposit of ?1,500.00 to enable him start with the processing of the documents and the balance to be paid after the visa had been secured. These are contained in a statement of claim in a writ filed at an Accra High Court by Akunkye Chambers, on behalf of the woman.

According to the writ, after the payment of the deposit, Mr Otchere Darko vanished into thin air.

She further states that after countless searches for the visa contractor, he was finally located and the woman was able to retrieve from Mr Otchere Darko an amount of ?180.00, leaving a balance of ?1,320.00 to be paid.

The case is at the Circuit Court 'B' of 28th February Road, Accra.

Mr Otchere Darko is to refund the whole amount of ?1,320.00 pounds to Mad Cecilia Azantilow, with interest on the sum from September, 1999 up to and inclusive of the day of payment.

According to court sources, Mr Otchere Darko has been avoiding bailiff, and he is also not staying in the office and the house.

Attempts by the reporter to contact the editor of the Statesman proved futile.