Self-styled evangelist fined for fraud

Accra, Feb. 21, GNA - A self-styled Evangelist, who defrauded a Public Servant of nine million cedis under the pretext of using the money to clear computers from the Tema Harbour was on Monday sentenced to a fine of seven million cedis by an Accra District Magistrate's Court.

Samuel Adu Gyan, who pleaded guilty, would in default serve an 18-month prison term.

Presenting the case, Police Sergeant Jubiok Michael told the Court that Mr John Wallace Koomson, the complainant, met Gyan in 2001 at the Ministries in Accra and during their conversation Gyan introduced himself as an Evangelist.

The Prosecution said Gyan began visiting Mr Koomson in his office and preached to him.

The Prosecutor said in 2003, Gyan informed Mr Koomson that he had imported some computers and needed some money to clear them and promised to refund the money after he had sold them.

Mr Koosom issued a cheque of four million cedis to Gyan but he returned a few days later and demanded another five million cedis. However, after collecting the money, Gyan went into hiding. On January 25 2005, Mr Koomson saw Gyan at the Ministries and caused his arrest.

During investigations, Gyan confessed in his cautioned statement that he used money for farming but not to clear his goods.