A businessman, Francis Appeynarh, has been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a woman of GH¢850,000 in a maize supply deal. Three of his alleged accomplices — identified as Boakye, Dr. Samir Kazi, and Baffour — are currently on the run.

According to the prosecution, the accused persons posed as operators of a poultry business and convinced the complainant, Gifty Ndoma, a grain dealer from Ejura, to supply them with 3,000 bags of maize for industrial use. The maize, valued at GH¢850,000, was delivered between August 23 and 27, 2025.

However, after receiving the consignment, the accused persons allegedly refused to answer the complainant’s calls and instead sold the maize below market price without making any payment.

Appeynarh and his accomplices have been charged with conspiracy to defraud and defrauding by false pretences. He pleaded not guilty.

Presiding judge Mrs. Susuna Eduful granted Appeynarh bail of GH¢800,000 with two sureties, each earning not less than GH¢3,000. The case has been adjourned to October 27, 2025, as police intensify efforts to arrest the fugitives.

Chief Inspector Godwin Wemegah, leading the prosecution, told the court that the accused persons operated under the business name Earth Organisation Ghana. Investigations revealed that the maize was diverted to a warehouse at Gulf City near Ashaiman, where it was quickly resold.

Out of the 3,000 bags, 1,951 were sold, while 1,049 bags were recovered by police. Investigators also retrieved GH¢95,000 from Appeynarh.

The prosecution said Appeynarh personally received the maize consignment at Tema Roundabout, arranged its storage at the warehouse, and oversaw its distribution. Proceeds from the sales were allegedly shared among the four accused.

Police say efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining accomplices and recover the outstanding value of the maize.