‘Bail granted to accused persons are free’

Court News

A judge has warned the public about paying money for bail.

Mrs. Sarah Nyarkoa Nkansa, a judge at the Adentan Circuit Court, stated that bail is free. “You don’t need to pay a dime,” she said. Only if an accused person jumps bail will their sureties have to pay. She urged people to report anyone who asks for money.

This warning came during the trial of Paul Konney, a 45-year-old businessman. He faces charges of defrauding by false pretenses. Konney allegedly collected GHC80,000 from Eric Kristic under false pretenses.

Konney promised to buy assorted soft drinks and share profits with Kristic. However, he denied the fraud charge in court.

The judge granted him bail of GHC100,000 with two sureties. Konney must report to the investigator every Wednesday.

Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo led the prosecution in this case. He explained that both men are businessmen. In January 2025, Konney proposed a joint venture in soft drink sales to Kristic.

Kristic agreed after inspecting Konney’s warehouse and products. The court heard that Konney requested GHC80,000 to start the business. Kristic initially gave him GHC25,000 for purchasing drinks.

They bought assorted drinks together for retailing. Later, Konney asked for the remaining GHC55,000, which Kristic provided. After receiving GHC80,000, Konney stopped answering calls from Kristic.

When Kristic visited Konney's office to check on the goods, he found they had all been sold without payment made to him.

After reporting to police, Kristic learned that Konney was seeking an additional GHC200,000 from him when he was arrested.

In his caution statement, Konney admitted using part of the money for furniture and computers but could not explain where the rest went.