Printer slapped with GH¢50,000 bail over alleged Visa scam

Court News

Judge Ellen Ofei-Ayeh of Circuit Court 7 in Accra has granted bail. The bail is set at GH¢50,000 for John Nyarko, a 40-year-old printer. He is accused of defrauding another printer of GH¢40,000. This was under the pretense of securing a Canadian Visa.

John Nyarko pleaded not guilty to the charge. This charge falls under Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29). He must execute the bail with two ordinary citizens as sureties. The court will continue proceedings on May 28, 2025.

Chief Inspector Ofori Appiah is prosecuting the case. The complainant, Wisdom Batcho Idogna, also a printer from Sowutuom, knows Nyarko well. In June 2024, Nyarko convinced Idogna that he could help him get a Visa. He claimed a friend in Canada needed GH¢40,000 to assist.

Idogna asked for direct contact with this friend but was denied. Nyarko insisted all dealings go through him instead. Idogna paid the full amount in two installments of GH¢20,000 each. Nyarko then told him to complete a police background check and medical exam.

After two weeks without updates or progress, Idogna demanded a refund. In response, Nyarko issued a cheque for GH¢44,000 from National Investment Bank dated April 17, 2025. When Idogna tried to cash it, he learned only Nyarko could do so.

After waiting hours at the bank with no help, Idogna lured Nyarko to a police station for arrest. So far, he has refunded GH¢2,000 in court but still owes GH¢38,000. The court will resume hearing on May 28, 2025.