A businessman, Charles Yao Anyomi, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a woman of GH¢500,000 under the guise of supplying her with 5kg of gold.

Anyomi, who resides at Spintex, Accra, has been charged with defrauding by false pretences but pleaded not guilty.

The presiding judge, Mrs Susana Eduful, granted him bail in the sum of GH¢600,000 with two sureties, both to be justified with title deeds in their names.

The court further directed that the original land documents be deposited at the Court’s registry. The case has been adjourned to September 13, 2025.

According to the prosecution, the complainant, a businesswoman living in Madina, travelled with Anyomi to South Africa in December 2024.

While there, she received a call from her husband, who was in Dubai on a gold business trip.

Anyomi allegedly overheard the conversation and proposed to the complainant that he could supply her 5kg of gold if she provided GH¢500,000.

Trusting his representation, the complainant and her husband transferred the funds to Anyomi’s Stanbic Bank account, mobile money wallet, and also gave him cash payments.

Prosecutors say once the accused received the money, he cut all communication with the complainant and went into hiding. Alarmed, she lodged a report with the police.

Anyomi was eventually arrested, and in his caution statement, he admitted to receiving the money but claimed he passed it on to one “Charles.” He, however, failed to assist police in locating or arresting this alleged associate.

If found guilty, Anyomi could face up to 25 years in prison under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act (Act 29) for defrauding by false pretences, in addition to repaying the defrauded sum.

GNA