Sculptor remanded for forging visa documents

Accra, Jan. 29, GNA - An Accra Circuit Court on Friday remanded Jesse James Azzu, Sculptor of Kumasi, into prison custody for forging a British document.

The plea of the accused was not taken on three counts of conspiracy to commit crime, abetment of crime and uttering of forged document. He is to re-appear on February 6.

Police Chief Inspector Joseph Adu told the court presided over by Mr Williewise Kyeremeh that in the latter part of 2002, one Martha Afriyie was directed by one George to see the accused to help her secure a British Visa.

Chief Inspector Adu said after Azzu had discussed the issue with Martha he charged her 850,000 cedis as an initial payment to facilitate the acquisition of all the necessary documents.

Chief Inspector Adu said Azzu then forged the signature of one Frederick Asante Danso, who owns a British passport.

He said accused further used some documents belonging to the same Danso to write an invitation letter to Martha purported to have emanated from Danso in the United Kingdom.

Prosecution said Martha subsequently submitted the documents to the British High Commission for the Visa.

Chief Inspector Adu said during investigations by the High Commission in the UK, it was detected that the documents tendered by Martha were forged.

He said the High Commission then lodged a complaint with the Police that led to the arrest of Martha, who mentioned Azzu as the agent, who gave her the documents.