Five Ghanaian-linked crimes that made headlines in the UK

There have been several reports linking some Ghanaians living in the United Kingdom(UK) to criminal activities, resulting in arrests and jail terms.

These cases span from offences, including abuse, fraud, and other criminal conduct.

A report by GhanaWeb highlights a series of high-profile legal cases involving Ghanaians in the UK.

Below are some of the most notable:

Ghanaian Fraudster Jailed Over COVID-19 Scandal

A UK-based Ghanaian, Eric Agyeman, was convicted for defrauding the government through COVID-19 bounce-back loans.

The 46-year-old was sentenced to two years and two months in prison at the Old Bailey in London on September 9, 2025, after fraudulently obtaining £130,000 and engaging in money laundering.

According to a report by Graphic Online, Agyeman admitted to submitting three separate loan applications under DOK Logistics UK Ltd, a company that never traded.

Investigations by the Insolvency Service revealed that he falsified company turnover figures of up to £375,000 to secure the loans.

5 Ghanaians jailed over 20 years for £2 million 'sakawa' scam in the UK

Fast-Food Operator Jailed for Hygiene Violations

A UK-based Ghanaian businessman, Stephen Akuoko, 62, was sentenced to two years in prison for breaching food hygiene regulations.

He was also banned from operating any food business for five years and ordered to pay £2,500 in costs.

Akuoko, who operated under the name Tribal Foods in Watford, Hertfordshire, was found storing mackerel in his bathroom; both in the bathtub and on the floor next to the toilet.

According to The Telegraph, his business had been under investigation for years but proved difficult to inspect until a fire broke out at his residence in October 2024.

Ghanaian nurse in court for alleged UK visa fraud

Fugitive Arrested Over Alleged Rape Case

Patrick Kwaku Dunyo, a 35-year-old Ghanaian national, was arrested in connection with alleged rape and sexual assault charges.

He was detained at Washington Dulles International Airport on November 22, 2025, after being flagged by authorities.

According to US Customs and Border Protection, Dunyo had been wanted by the London Metropolitan Police over allegations involving a 16-year-old.

A coordinated effort between UK and US authorities led to his arrest after he travelled from Frankfurt, Germany.

Ghanaian Nurse Convicted of Patient Neglect

Akosua Sakyiwaa, 38, was jailed for 12 months after being convicted of four counts of ill-treatment and neglect of elderly patients.

She was sentenced alongside her colleague, Sharmila Gunda, who received a five-month prison term for assault and neglect.

The judgment was delivered at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London, where the presiding judge, Timothy Lamb, QC, said their actions had “damaged patient trust” in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

Ghanaian Charged in Doctor’s Killing

David Quartey, 21, was charged with the murder of Victoria Anyetei, a consultant paediatrician found stabbed to death in Kent.

Dr. Anyetei, 54, was discovered fatally wounded in her car outside her home in Dartford on August 14, 2007.

She worked at St Thomas’ Hospital in London and was originally from Ghana.

Broader Concerns

These cases reflect broader issues related to migration, professional conduct, and legal accountability within diaspora communities. They also underscore the importance of due diligence, ethical behaviour, and strict adherence to local laws for individuals living abroad.

VPO/EB

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