Court bails businessman in GH¢250k excavator fraud case; two suspects on the run

An Accra Circuit Court has granted bail to a 42-year-old businessman, after prosecutors accused him and two others of defrauding a scrap dealer of GH¢250,000 in a failed excavator sale.

The complainant, Imoro Alhassan, a scrap dealer from Twifo Praso, told police he was approached in October 2025 by Eugene Ofosu, who claimed his “boss”, Richard Adomako, had five excavators available for sale as scrap.

According to investigators, Ofosu later escorted the buyer to Anyinam in the Eastern Region to inspect the machines. After negotiations, the parties agreed on a price of GH¢70,000 per excavator, totalling GH¢350,000.

But prosecutors say the arrangement was a scam: the excavators did not belong to the accused.

The court heard that Ofosu subsequently brought the complainant to Afrikiko in Accra, where they met Akwasi Boateng, who allegedly received a GH¢150,000 down payment.

A further GH¢100,000 was reportedly handed to Boateng at the Osu Cemetery four days later.

When the complainant returned to Anyinam on 8 October to begin cutting the machines for scrap, a security guard prevented him—revealing that the equipment was not for sale.

The complainant filed a report with police on 10 October. Ofosu was arrested on 24 October at Twifo Praso and, in a caution statement, admitted luring the buyer into the deal.

Boateng was picked up on 14 November from his hideout in Kwabenya, where he also allegedly confirmed receiving the GH¢250,000.

Adomako, named as the alleged mastermind, and Ofosu were both absent from court, prompting the issuing of bench warrants.

Boateng, the only accused present, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and defrauding by false pretences. The judge admitted him to GH¢350,000 bail, with two sureties required to justify the amount with property titles.

Prosecutors have been directed to file their disclosures, while the search continues for the two missing suspects.