Trader Charged with Defrauding 46 People of Over GH₵1 Million in Fake Employment Schemes

A trader, Joseph Agemba, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court after allegedly collecting GH₵1,096,500 from 46 individuals under the false pretext of securing them employment in the Ghana Security Service.

Agemba, who is also claimed to have posed as a National Security operative at the Jubilee House, reportedly swindled additional amounts from two other victims, promising to secure U.S. and German visas but failing to deliver.

The accused is also said to have taken money from the complainant, Patience Solomon, an Immigration officer, promising to procure her an auctioned vehicle, a deal that also fell through.

Agemba faces seven counts of defrauding by false pretenses. The court, presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo, did not take his plea, as prosecution, led by Chief Jonas Lawer, indicated that more victims were coming forward with complaints. Given the serious nature of the accusations and the risk of interference with investigations, the court remanded Agemba into police custody.

The prosecution outlined that in November 2023, Solomon, the complainant, was informed by her husband that Agemba, claiming to be a senior national security operative, had a protocol slot for recruitment into various security agencies. Solomon and others paid sums ranging from GH₵7,000 to GH₵22,000 for enlistment, leading to a total of GH₵1,931,000 being collected from 48 people.

In addition to this, Agemba is accused of collecting GH₵54,000 for the vehicle deal and another GH₵87,000 for visa services, all of which he failed to deliver.

The court has adjourned the case to December 27, 2024, for further proceedings.