A 44-year-old driver, Benjamin Osei Sarpong, has been remanded by the Achimota Court for allegedly defrauding a Police officer and a teacher of a total of GHC58,000 under the pretext of securing Canadian visas.
Sarpong is said to have collected GHC30,000 from the Police officer and GHC28,000 from the teacher but failed to deliver on his promises.
During court proceedings, Sarpong claimed he had handed over the money to the late John Kumah, former Member of Parliament for Ejisu Constituency.
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He has been charged with two counts of defrauding by false pretences and pleaded not guilty. Bail was opposed by the prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stephen Ahiale, citing Sarpong’s failure to appear in court on June 19, 2025, despite being warned.
A bench warrant had been issued for his arrest, and the Police reported it took over five months to secure his appearance.
Sarpong told the court he was unwell and had travelled to Sefwi Yamfo, where he had no phone reception, but admitted receiving a call from the case investigator.
He also presented GHC10,000 in court, intended for the complainants and claimed he was in court on June 19, 2025, though the trial judge confirmed he was absent.
DSP Ahiale explained that the complainants, siblings living in Accra and Kumasi, had planned to travel to Canada in October 2023. A friend introduced Sarpong to them as someone who could facilitate the visa process. After collecting the fees, Sarpong failed to deliver and provided numerous excuses.
The complainants reported him to the Police, and he was arrested on April 22, 2024.
During investigations, Sarpong admitted to taking the money but stated he gave it to the late former MP with the knowledge of his wife, though he failed to provide the Police with the MP’s wife’s details. Sarpong is to reappear in court on December 3, 2025.
