Businessman before court for visa deal

Tema, Jan. 15, GNA - A Tema businessman has been granted 30 million cedis bail by the Tema Circuit Court "A" for defrauding a student of 12.4 million cedis under the pretext of getting him a visa to China. Kofi Seyram Fiamafle pleaded not guilty and will reappear on January 25, 2005.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Mary Assunta told the court presided over by Mr Charles Asiedu that in March, 2004, the complainant wanted to travel to China, and contacted the accused to assist him procure Chinese visa.

She said, the accused promised to offer him assistance and demanded 1,000 dollars and 12.4 million cedis for visa and ticket, which the complainant paid.

In the end, only the visa was received but the accused failed to produce the ticket, and all efforts made by the complainant to get the ticket failed. He had to spend another money for the ticket to travel. Chief Inspector Assunta said when the complainant returned, he reported the case to the police, and when the accused was arrested, he admitted collecting the money, but could not fulfil his promise.