In a striking case that has drawn significant attention, four men are facing charges at the Adentan Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding two siblings in a land sale scam amounting to GH¢223,000. The accused reportedly orchestrated a complex scheme involving impersonation, false claims of ownership, and fraudulent land transactions. The case, presided over by Judge Sarah Nyarkoa Nkansah, has been adjourned to October 13, 2025, for further proceedings.
The Accused and Their Alleged Roles
The individuals standing trial are Emmanuel Tettey, a self-proclaimed land agent; Paul Adjetey Obedekah, a surveyor; Elton Amarquaye Asare, a businessman; and Adade Agyare Kwabi, a farmer. All four have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Bail terms of GH¢50,000 with two sureties each remain unchanged as the court continues to deliberate on the matter.
Background of the Case
According to the prosecution led by Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo, the events date back to January 2023, when the complainants, Alex and Solomon Boye Laryea, sought to purchase two plots of land. The siblings were directed to Emmanuel Tettey, the first accused, who allegedly presented himself as a legitimate land agent.
Tettey reportedly showed them two plots of land at Sesemi near Abokobi in Accra and agreed to sell the land for GH¢100,000. The complainants paid GH¢50,000 as part payment along with GH¢8,000 for an indenture. However, just a week later, Tettey informed them that one of the plots had already been sold by its rightful owner and promised to relocate them.
Expansion of the Fraud Scheme
In an attempt to resolve the issue, Tettey, along with the second accused, Obedekah, introduced the complainants to Elton Amarquaye Asare, the third accused. Asare allegedly claimed to have land available for sale and resold two plots located at Oyarifa High Tension in Accra for GH¢200,000. The siblings paid GH¢100,000 as part payment for this transaction.
However, upon conducting a search, the complainants discovered that the land belonged to another individual named Christopher Nii Sowah Oblie. This is where the fourth accused, Kwabi, allegedly entered the picture, posing as Oblie and assuring the complainants of the land's legitimacy. Believing Kwabi’s claims, the siblings paid additional sums, bringing their total payment to GH¢223,000.
The Unraveling of the Scam
When Alex and Solomon attempted to access the purchased land, they were reportedly confronted and chased off by land guards. Their repeated attempts to resolve the matter with the accused proved futile. Left with no other recourse, they filed a complaint with the police.
Investigations revealed that Kwabi had impersonated Christopher Nii Sowah Oblie and that the land transactions were fraudulent. Police recovered GH¢7,000 from the accused during their inquiry. Subsequently, all four individuals were charged and brought before the court.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
During the most recent hearing on September 17, 2025, Chief Inspector Lanyo filed his witness statements as directed by the court during its previous session on August 20, 2025. The trial is set to continue on October 13, 2025.
This case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks involved in land transactions and highlights the importance of conducting thorough due diligence before making payments. It also underscores the need for stricter measures to combat fraudulent activities in Ghana's real estate sector.
Conclusion
As the trial unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how justice is served in this case. The outcome will not only determine accountability for the accused but may also set a precedent for addressing similar cases in the future. For now, Alex and Solomon Boye Laryea—and others who have faced similar scams—await closure as the judicial process takes its course.
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Curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes