62-year-old businesswoman faces multiple court cases over alleged scams
3rd July 2025
A 62-year-old woman, Nana Ama Nwarueze, popularly known as Ohemaa, is at the center of a high-profile fraud case after allegedly duping a businessman of $80,000 under the guise of selling four plots of land in East Legon.
Brought before the Achimota Circuit Court, Nwarueze is facing two major charges — fraudulent land transaction and defrauding by false pretence.
The case, prosecuted by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stephen Ahiale, alleges that she misrepresented herself as the rightful owner of the land and convinced the complainant, Roger Agbavor, to part with the substantial sum.
She has denied the charges and was granted bail by presiding judge Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong. However, due to the amount involved, the case has been referred to the Attorney-General’s Department for further action.
Pattern of Alleged Deception
Beyond the Achimota proceedings, Nwarueze is simultaneously facing trial in three unrelated fraud cases at the Adabraka District Court, presided over by Judge Abena Asoh Owusu-Omenyo.
In the first of these, she allegedly portrayed herself as a wealthy property owner with assets including the Ohemaa Plaza at East Legon, fishing vessels in Takoradi, and a house in the Airport Residential Area.
Prosecutors say she used this elaborate story to swindle $13,000 from another complainant.
In the second case, Nwarueze is accused of deceiving a pastor into giving her GH¢170,000, claiming she needed the funds to clear goods from the Tema Port. Prosecutors say she later issued two cheques in a failed attempt to repay the amount — both of which bounced.
The third case involves allegations that she took GH¢9,000 from a CCTV technician under the pretext of securing an American visa, which never materialized.
Bail and Legal Complications
In all her cases at the Adabraka District Court, Nwarueze has been granted bail of GH¢200,000, with two sureties — one of whom must be justified.
Her multiple legal entanglements have raised eyebrows, with some legal analysts calling for swift coordination among the courts and prosecuting bodies to ensure justice is served.
The unfolding cases highlight the growing need for due diligence in high-value land transactions and visa-related services, especially in Ghana’s urban areas, where real estate scams are on the rise.