3 Inmates allegedly defraud US-based Ghanaian of GH¢195k in Visa scam

Court Gavel

Three inmates are accused of defrauding a Ghanaian woman. They allegedly took GH¢195,000 from her. This was under the pretense of securing a U.S. visa for her son.

The accused are Joana Obeng, 35; Evans Kwaku Gyan, 47; and Augustin Yeboah, 36. Joana is a hairdresser, while Evans and Augustin are drivers. They reportedly conspired to deceive Emmanuel Arko, the complainant’s son.

The case is at the Dansoman Circuit Court. It is presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit. Joana and Evans pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and fraud charges.

Both are on remand for similar fraud cases in other courts. Despite this, the court granted them bail of GH¢200,000 each. They must justify their bail with three public servants.

They also need to deposit their Ghana Cards with the court registry. Additionally, they must report to the police every two weeks. Augustin Yeboah is serving a 15-year sentence for previous crimes.

His plea has not been taken yet due to an outstanding warrant. The case has been adjourned until July 7, 2025.

The Alleged Fraud Scheme

Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder is the prosecutor in this case. He stated that Maa Vida contacted one of the convicts via Facebook. She lives in the United States and sought help for her son’s visa application.

The convict offered travel assistance services and provided a contact number registered to Obeng. In January 2025, Obeng met Emmanuel Arko at Accra Mall and collected his passport.

She allegedly received multiple cash transfers totaling GH¢195,000 through mobile money transactions in her name. After receiving the money, she became untraceable and stopped responding.

Police investigations revealed deception among the accused parties. A2 and A3 had rented a room for Obeng under a false name “Nana Kwadwo.”

Obeng admitted using several mobile money numbers registered with her Ghana Card to receive funds from victims like Arko. Once received, these funds were withdrawn and transferred through A2 and A3.

One transfer route involved a mobile number linked to both A2 and A3. A3 denied knowing Obeng but admitted receiving funds associated with her numbers.

However, Obeng identified A3 as her accomplice at the police station. She claimed he helped rent her residence and collected most funds on behalf of A2.

The accused have given conflicting accounts during investigations that continue ongoing.
If found guilty, they face penalties under Sections 23(1) and 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29). These sections criminalize conspiracy and defrauding by false pretenses.