Her Ladyship Ellen Ofei-Ayeh, the presiding judge of Circuit Court 7 in Accra, has granted bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 to a 40-year-old printer, John Nyarko, who stands accused of defrauding a fellow printer of GH¢40,000 under the guise of securing a Canadian Visa for him.
John Nyarko, who pleaded not guilty to the charge of defrauding by false pretence – contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29) – was ordered to execute the bail with two ordinary citizens as sureties.
The court further scheduled the continuation of proceedings for May 28, 2025.
Chief Inspector Ofori Appiah, who is prosecuting the case, told the court that the Complainant, Wisdom Batcho Idogna, also a printer and resident of Sowutuom, had long known the accused, who resides in Kotobabi.
According to the prosecution, in June 2024, John Nyarko convinced Wisdom Idogna that a friend in Canada was willing to assist him in obtaining a Visa, but required GH¢40,000 to facilitate the process.
Despite Wisdom Idogna’s request for direct contact with this individual, John Nyarko refused, insisting that all dealings be made through him.
The Complainant reportedly handed over the full amount in two instalments – GH¢20,000 each. John Nyarko then directed him to undergo a police background check and medical examination, further creating the impression of a legitimate Visa process.
However, when the promised two-week period elapsed with no progress, and John Nyarko failed to provide any concrete updates or contacts, Wisdom Idogna began demanding a refund.
In response, John Nyarko issued a GH¢44,000 cheque from National Investment Bank, dated April 17, 2025.
When Wisdom Idogna attempted to cash it, he was informed that only the account holder, John Nyarko, could do so.
After waiting in vain at the bank for hours and receiving no further cooperation, Wisdom Idogna lured the accused to a police station, leading to his arrest.
He has since refunded GH¢2,000 in court, leaving a balance of GH¢38,000.
The court is expected to resume hearing on May 28, 2025.
The post Printer slapped with GH¢50,000 bail over alleged Visa scam appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS