In a case that has drawn considerable attention, a UK-based Ghanaian lawyer, Gideon Amponsah Okai, has pleaded not guilty to charges of defrauding by false pretence and forgery of documents. The proceedings took place at Circuit Court 11 in Accra, presided over by Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah.
Mr. Okai, 37, was granted bail set at GH₵50,000 with three sureties. The court stipulated that two of the sureties must provide evidence of employment and earnings of no less than GH₵5,000. The case has been adjourned to September 29, 2025, allowing time for further investigation and legal preparation.
Disputed Characterization of the Accused
The accused was described in the charge sheet as a "Revenue Officer," a characterization that was strongly contested by his legal representative, lawyer Nuhu Dinor, who held brief for counsel Baba Jamal. Mr. Dinor argued that his client is a qualified legal practitioner based in the United Kingdom and not a revenue officer as alleged by the prosecution.
This discrepancy has raised questions about the accuracy of the charge sheet and the potential implications for the case. The defense maintains that Mr. Okai’s professional background should be properly represented to ensure fairness in the legal process.
Allegations of Visa Fraud
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Edina Edhe Aninga, outlined the allegations against Mr. Okai. According to the prosecution, the complainant, Marjorie Lamptey, an administrator residing in Amasaman, Accra, was introduced to the accused in October 2022 through a mutual acquaintance based in the UK.
The accused allegedly claimed he could facilitate the acquisition of a UK work permit visa for Ms. Lamptey due to his professional connections as a legal practitioner. He reportedly charged £10,000 for the visa process, demanding an initial payment of £6,800.
The complainant subsequently paid £4,300 into an offshore account provided by Mr. Okai through a witness named Tenkorang Romeo. This was followed by a cash payment of £2,500 during a meeting at Weija, Accra. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Okai sent documents purportedly issued by “London Education International Limited” to suggest that the visa application process was underway.
Investigation Uncovers Forged Documents
Ms. Lamptey grew suspicious about the authenticity of the documents and reported the matter to the police. Further investigations conducted by the Document Fraud Expert Centre of the Ghana Immigration Service revealed that the documents were forged.
Following these findings, Mr. Okai was arrested without a warrant. A caution statement was taken in which he acknowledged receiving £2,500 from the complainant but did not address the broader allegations of fraud and forgery.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
As the case progresses, it will be closely monitored by legal experts and the public alike. The defense’s challenge to the characterization of Mr. Okai as a "Revenue Officer" and their assertion of his credentials as a UK-based lawyer could play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of the trial.
The allegations against Mr. Okai highlight broader concerns about visa fraud schemes and document forgery, issues that have increasingly come under scrutiny in Ghana and beyond. The adjournment until September 2025 provides both parties ample time to gather evidence and prepare their arguments.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when engaging in international transactions and visa processes. It also underscores the critical role of law enforcement agencies in investigating and addressing fraudulent activities.
As developments unfold, all eyes will remain on Circuit Court 11 in Accra to see how justice is served in this high-profile case.
-thechroniclenewspaper
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
