Accused in visa fraud claims he gave GH¢58,000 to late MP, remanded by court
By DL News
Published
2 min read
He claims the funds were handed over to the late John Kumah, former Ejisu MP, allegedly with the knowledge of the late legislator’s wife—an assertion he has been unable to substantiate during investigations.
The Achimota Court has ordered the remand of Benjamin Osei Sarpong, a 44-year-old driver accused of defrauding two siblings—a Police officer and a teacher—of a combined GH¢58,000 under the guise of securing Canadian visas.
Sarpong, who has been charged with two counts of defrauding by false pretences, maintains his innocence. He claims the funds were handed over to the late John Kumah, former Ejisu MP, allegedly with the knowledge of the late legislator’s wife—an assertion he has been unable to substantiate during investigations.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Ahiale, who led the prosecution, urged the court to deny bail. He noted that Sarpong ignored a directive to appear in court on June 19, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant.
According to the prosecution, officers spent more than five months attempting to locate the accused despite all parties having been duly notified of the court date.
Appearing before the court, Sarpong told the presiding judge that illness forced him to travel to Sefwi Yamfo, where limited phone reception prevented him from receiving calls. He admitted, however, that he had spoken to the case investigator at some point.
He insisted he had only become aware of the case “four days ago” and said he had brought GH¢10,000 to court as part payment to the complainants. He further claimed he had been present on June 19, but that the court did not sit.
A review of the court’s records contradicted his account. The judge confirmed that the court sat on that day and that Sarpong was absent, leading to the bench warrant.
Prosecutors say the two complainants—siblings based in Accra and Kumasi—were introduced to Sarpong in October 2023 by a mutual friend after expressing interest in travelling to Canada.
The accused allegedly assured them he could secure visas and collected GH¢30,000 from one sibling and GH¢28,000 from the other. After receiving the money, he is said to have repeatedly postponed the promised visa arrangements and offered various excuses.
The matter was reported to the Police, and Sarpong was arrested on April 22, 2024. During interrogation, he reportedly admitted taking the money but claimed it had been handed to the late MP. Investigators say he has failed to lead them to anyone who could confirm this assertion.
The court has remanded Sarpong into custody. He is scheduled to reappear on December 3, 2025.
