Man, 70, in Court over alleged U.S. Visa fraud

Dansoman Circuit Court

A 70-year-old businessman, Adams Afful, appeared in court. He is accused of defrauding a trader of GH¢20,000. This was under the pretense of securing an earlier U.S. visa appointment for her daughter.

Adams Afful lives in Breman Bedum, Central Region. He faces a charge of defrauding by false pretence. This is contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). He pleaded not guilty before Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit.

The court heard that Lantana Sani is the complainant. She is a trader from New Fadama, Accra. In November 2023, she met Adams through Eric Nyame, a mutual acquaintance.

Adams Afful claimed his daughter in the U.S. needed a caregiver for her two children. Eric Nyame recommended Sani’s daughter, Suwab Bawa, for this opportunity.

In January 2024, Adams accompanied Lantana and Suwab to the U.S. Embassy in Accra. They purchased a visa processing form and scheduled an interview for October 9, 2024.

Adams expressed dissatisfaction with this date. He claimed he had contacts at the embassy who could reschedule it sooner. He then demanded and received GH¢20,000 from Lantana to facilitate this change.

After receiving the money, Adams failed to deliver on his promise. He became unreachable, prompting Lantana to file a police complaint.

During investigations, Adams admitted to the offence. He promised to refund the money within a month but did not fulfill this promise. He was subsequently charged and brought before the court.

He has been granted bail of GH¢300,000 with two sureties. One surety must be a public servant; the other must be justified. Additionally, he must deposit his Ghana Card with the court registry.

The prosecution is led by Chief Inspector Portia Nuarko. She has been directed to file all disclosures and witness statements. The case has been adjourned for continuation at a later date.