Court issues bench warrant for arrest of Lobbyist

An Accra Circuit Court on Friday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of one Robert Mensah, a lobbyist, for failing to present himself in court after he was granted bail.

The court presided over by Justice M. E. Essandoh ordered the police to arrest him and present him in court on August 6. Robert was charged for defrauding by false pretence and granted bail.


Presenting the facts of the case, Police Chief Inspector Isaac Agbemehia told the court that the complainant is an American Businessman resident in Ghana. He said on February 17, the complainant attended a programme at Golden Tulip Hotel, and while on his way out, he met the accused person who engaged him in a conversation.


He said in the course of their conversation, the complainant informed him about his diamond polishing factory, which he had lost to some individuals in a land dispute.


The prosecution said Robert then told the complainant that he works at the office of the Vice President and therefore was in the position to assist him reclaim his property.

He told the court that the accused person on subsequent days told the complainant stories upon stories and also introduced him to certain individuals at the Lands Commission and Registrar General’s Department, just to make his stories look credible.


Police Chief Inspector Agbemehia said subsequently, Robert succeeded in collecting a total amount of GH¢ 16,000.00 from the complainant to facilitate the process, but failed to deliver on his promise.


He said on March 12, the accused arranged a meeting with the complainant, in an attempt to collect some additional monies from him. The police was informed and the accused person was arrested.


The prosecution said Robert admitted receiving the monies from the complainant, and has so far refunded GH¢ 5,000.00 to the police.