World Cup visa deal lands businessman in court over alleged US$3,000 and GH¢20,600 fraud

A businessman, Kwaku Duah, has been granted GH¢60,000 bail by the Adenta Circuit Court after allegedly collecting money and vehicle spare parts from another businessman with a promise to secure United States and Canadian visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Duah is accused of obtaining US$3,000 and items valued at GH¢20,600 from the complainant through representations that he could facilitate travel arrangements for the international football tournament.

He has been charged with defrauding by false pretences but pleaded not guilty when he appeared before the court presided over by Mrs Angela Attachie.

The court granted him bail with two sureties, one of whom must be justified with landed property. He was also ordered to surrender his passport to the court registry.

The case has been adjourned to February 17, 2027.

Business relationship leads to alleged visa arrangement

Presenting the facts, Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo told the court that the complainant, a businessman residing at Adenta, became acquainted with Duah through a business transaction in March 2026.

According to the prosecution, a man identified as John Teiko introduced Duah, who resides at East Legon Hills, to the complainant because he needed spare parts for his tipper truck.

Following the introduction, the complainant supplied the requested items, establishing a business relationship between the parties.

The prosecution alleged that Duah subsequently informed the complainant about an opportunity to obtain travel visas to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He reportedly claimed that a senior official of the National Sports Authority (NSA) had introduced a personal assistant, identified only as Gyamfi, who could assist interested individuals in obtaining visas to the United States and Canada.

Duah allegedly presented the arrangement as an official programme requiring each applicant to pay US$4,500.

Complainant allegedly pays cash and supplies truck parts

The complainant reportedly expressed interest in the offer but informed Duah that he could raise only US$3,000 instead of the US$4,500 being demanded.

According to the prosecution, Duah initially insisted on the full amount before proposing another arrangement involving the supply of vehicle parts.

Under the alleged agreement, the complainant was to provide four brake drums and four 22.5R tyres for Duah's tipper truck, valued at GH¢18,300.

He was also required to pay an additional GH¢2,300 described as a visa processing fee.

The complainant subsequently handed over US$3,000, paid the GH¢2,300 and supplied the vehicle parts as requested, the prosecution told the court.

Delayed visa interview raises suspicion

The complainant reportedly became concerned when arrangements for his visa interview failed to materialise.

He allegedly contacted Duah several times to enquire about the delay but received no satisfactory explanation.

The prosecution maintained that Duah became offended by the persistent enquiries and eventually stopped answering the complainant's telephone calls.

Unable to obtain further information about the promised travel arrangements, the complainant reported the matter to the Adenta Police for investigation.

Police investigations reveal alleged false representations

According to the prosecution, investigations established that Duah had no connection with the National Sports Authority official he allegedly claimed could facilitate the travel arrangements.

Investigators also reportedly found that no visa interview had been scheduled for the complainant.

The prosecution further informed the court that the complainant's passport was retrieved following Duah's arrest.

Based on the findings, Duah was charged with defrauding by false pretences and brought before the Adenta Circuit Court.

He has denied the charge and remains on bail subject to the conditions imposed by the court.

The allegations against him have not been established, and the matter remains pending before the court.