Two tour operators jailed

Accra, Oct.17, GNA - The Osu District Magistrate's Court on Friday sentenced two tour operators to two years' imprisonment each with hard labour for defrauding a colleague of 16,000 dollars under the pretext of securing travelling documents for people eager to travel to Germany. Thomas Ofori Mori and Samuel Addae Amanor pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and defrauding by false pretences.

The Court chaired by Mr George Nana Donkor, said he took into consideration the amount involved and the nature of offence saying the sentence should serve as deterrent to all.

He further ordered Mori and Amanor to refund the money after serving their sentence.

Prosecuting, Police Inspector Abudulai Musah told the court that the complainant was the operator of Porcia's Travel and Consultancy Firm in Winneba and Accra while Mori and Amannor operated a similar business.

The Prosecution said in April last year, the convicts went to Mrs Porcia Mal Coomson's residence in Accra and told her that they had a place for four people to travel to Germany and they charged 16,000 dollars.

They promised to secure the necessary travelling documents within two weeks but failed to do so.

He said the complainant persistently demanded her money but Mori could refund only 4,000 dollars out of which 200 dollars were found to be counterfeit.

Prosecution said both convicts then went into hiding but were picked up by the Police.