Three suspects arraigned for kidnapping and assault of businessman
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The suspects, identified as Albert Tetteh Botchway and David Burke—both 34-year-old businessmen—and Promise Lamptey, a 29-year-old security guard, are facing charges related to the incident.
Three individuals accused of kidnapping and physically assaulting a businessman have been brought before an Accra Circuit Court.
The suspects, identified as Albert Tetteh Botchway and David Burke—both 34-year-old businessmen—and Promise Lamptey, a 29-year-old security guard, are facing charges related to the incident. Meanwhile, two other suspects, Awudu Balm, and Katanga, remain on the run.
The case revolves around the alleged abduction of Kwadwo Agyapong Berry, a businessman, purportedly due to a failed investment. The accused are being charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping and assault.
During the court session, the first accused, Botchway, was absent but provided a medical report to justify his absence. The other two, Burke and Lamptey, were present in court and pleaded not guilty.
Presiding Judge Susana Eduful granted bail to Burke and Lamptey, setting it at GH¢50,000 each, with two sureties required per person. Among the sureties, one must earn at least GH¢5,000, while the other must be a direct family member. The case has been adjourned to February 3, 2025.
According to Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, the prosecutor, the complainant, Kwadwo Agyapong Berry, resides in Amrahia near Adentan in Accra, while the accused—Botchway, Burke, and Lamptey—are residents of Labadi.
The prosecution stated that Lamptey, along with Balm and Katanga, were employees of Botchway.
On December 14, 2024, Berry, along with Botchway and Burke, reportedly took an individual named Benjamin Appiah Boateng to Laboma Beach to question him over an alleged misappropriation of $1.6 million from an investment. Boateng was allegedly detained at the beach under Botchway’s supervision, while Berry frequently checked in on the efforts to recover the missing funds.
On December 18, 2024, Burke called Berry, requesting a meeting at Laboma Beach the following morning with him and Botchway.
Berry complied and, upon arrival, was taken to Botchway’s office by Burke. Soon after, Botchway stepped out, and Lamptey, Balm, and Katanga entered. They reportedly ordered Burke to leave before locking the office door.
According to the prosecution, the three then handcuffed Berry and subjected him to physical abuse, including electric shocks with a wire. They accused him of withholding $600,000 from the investment, based on claims that Boateng had implicated him.
Berry was allegedly held in Botchway’s office from 7:30 a.m. on December 18, 2024, until 8:30 p.m. the following day. His ordeal ended when the Police Intelligence Department received a tip-off and intervened to rescue him.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Botchway and Lamptey on January 2, 2025. During interrogation, Lamptey admitted to their actions but claimed they were acting on Boateng’s allegations against Berry.
Burke was later arrested on January 10, 2025, but was subsequently released on police bail.
While Botchway, Burke, and Lamptey have now been formally charged, law enforcement agencies are still pursuing Balm and Katanga, who remain fugitives.
