3 Siblings Arraigned For Impersonating Top Government Officials To Defraud Paramount Chiefs

Three siblings – Nurudeen Abdul Ganew, 40, Nurudeen Rashid, 29, and Nurudeen Gafaru, 20,  have been arraigned before Circuit Court 11 in Accra, for allegedly impersonating a high-ranking government official to defraud two paramount chiefs in the Central Region of over GH¢300,000.

The accused, all described as self-styled businessmen, are facing five counts including; conspiracy to commit a crime, defrauding by false pretence and impersonation to commit a crime, contrary to various provisions of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

They are accused of falsely presenting themselves as Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to former President John Dramani Mahama to deceive the chiefs, Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI, Paramount Chief of Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Area and Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, Paramount Chief of Abeadze Traditional Area and former Vice President of the National House of Chiefs.

Fraudulent Vehicle Auction Scheme

According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Jacob M. Kuubal Esq., the accused contacted Daasebre Ewusi VII in April, using mobile number 0552168220 – claiming to be Dr. Mahama.

The impersonator informed the chief about purported government vehicle auctions, offering a Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 and a Toyota Prado at heavily discounted rates.

Convinced by the voice, which sounded familiar and reassured by the mention of other government contacts, the chief made payments through various MTN Mobile Money numbers, which were later traced to the accused totalling GH¢50,000.

Afterward, the accused persuaded Daasebre Ewusi VII to involve two other chiefs, who also sent large sums.

One of them, Obrempong Krampah XI, is said to have transferred GH¢134,400 for a Prado, believing the transaction was sanctioned by the presidency.

After collecting the funds, the suspects reportedly switched off their phones, prompting Daasebre Ewusi VII to contact the real Dr. Mahama through a known number.

It was then that the chief realised he had been defrauded and reported the matter to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).

Sophisticated Syndicate Uncovered

Investigations revealed the involvement of a well-coordinated syndicate, allegedly run by the three brothers. Abdul Ganew, said to be the leader used multiple phone numbers to pose as high-profile individuals, while Rashid and Gafaru operated in Wenchi and assisted in the withdrawal and distribution of funds.

The accused reportedly used over a dozen SIM cards, maintained ledgers documenting targets and proceeds, and possessed a database of political party executives across all 16 regions, possibly for future schemes.

Various mobile devices, pen drives and cash totaling GH¢14,896 were recovered during their arrest.

Notably, Abdul Ganew is a known figure to law enforcement and has a prior conviction, a 15-year sentence handed down by the Wa Circuit Court for a similar offence.

Court Proceedings

At Tuesday’s court sitting, presided over by Her Honour BasiliaAdjei-Tawiah, the accused pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court denied bail to Abdul Ganew due to his criminal record and flight risk.

However, Rashid and Gafaru were granted bail totalling GH¢200,000 with four sureties, two of whom must be traditional rulers and two government workers earning not less than GH¢2,000 each. All sureties must be justified.

The prosecution was ordered to file full disclosures and witness statements ahead of a possible Case Management Conference (CMC).

The case has been adjourned to July 29, 2025.

Investigations remain ongoing as authorities work to trace other victims and mobile money accounts involved in the elaborate scam.

The post 3 Siblings Arraigned For Impersonating Top Government Officials To Defraud Paramount Chiefs appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Read Full Story