Ex-Convict poses as President’s Secretary and allegedly defrauds 3 paramount chiefs

A 40-year-old ex-convict, Nurudeen Abdul Ganew, has been arraigned before the Accra Circuit Court 11 for allegedly defrauding Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, the Paramount Chief of the Abeadze Traditional Area and former Vice President of the National House of Chiefs by falsely presenting himself as Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to the President of Ghana.

The accused appeared before Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 facing three counts; personation to commit a crime, defrauding by false pretences and money laundering.

His plea was not taken, as Chief Inspector Jacob Maalo Kuubal, the prosecuting officer, told the court that investigations are still ongoing.

The case has been adjourned to Monday, July 7, 2025 when the accused is expected to respond to the charges.

Charges Against the Accused

The prosecution alleges that on April 24, 2025 Abdul Ganew called the complainant using MTN number 0552168220, introduced himself as Dr. Callistus Mahama and convinced the chief that auctioned government vehicles were available for purchase.

Abdul Ganew reportedly claimed he had secured a Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 and offered it to the complainant at a discounted price of GH¢50,000 far below the actual price of GH¢165,000.

Believing the caller was indeed Dr. Callistus Mahama, due to the voice similarity, the chief transferred the amount to two MTN mobile money numbers, allegedly belonging to an accomplice, introduced as “Alhaji Haruna”, who was said to be a Customs official.

After successfully defrauding Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, Abdul Ganew reportedly targeted other traditional leaders.

The complainant, acting on the accused’s request, informed two other chiefs, Osagyefo Amanfo Edu and Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI, who also transferred GH¢165,000 and GH¢133,000 respectively for additional vehicles.

After the transfers, all communication ceased and the accused went unreachable. The complainant then contacted the real Dr. Callistus Mahama, only to discover he had been duped. A formal complaint was made to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).

Arrest and Investigation

Abdul Ganew was traced to his residence in Wa, in the Upper West Region, where he was arrested.

A search of his home revealed four mobile phones, some of which matched the IMEI numbers of devices used in the fraudulent communication. During interrogation, Abdul Ganew reportedly admitted to the offence.

The court is expected to take the accused’s plea on July 7, 2025 as investigations continue. The prosecution has indicated that more suspects could be involved and further charges may follow.

 

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