In a case that underscores the importance of due diligence in real estate transactions, a mother and her son have been arraigned before the Accra Circuit Court 8 for allegedly defrauding a building contractor of GH¢155,000 under the pretense of selling him a parcel of land. The incident took place in Fise, near Amasaman, in the Greater Accra Region.
The accused, Derrick William Nii Darko First-Quao, a data analyst, and his mother, Salamatu Musah, a trader, are facing three charges: conspiracy to commit a fraudulent transaction, granting land without title, and defrauding by false pretense. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Bail and Court Proceedings
During their appearance before His Honour Jojo Amoah Hagan, the court granted each of the accused persons bail set at GH¢200,000, with two sureties to be justified with property. The prosecution was also instructed to amend the third charge to better reflect the alleged offense of defrauding by false pretense. The case has been adjourned to November 19, 2025.
Details of the Case
According to the prosecution, led by ASP Emmanuel Haligah, the complainant, Joseph Kwamena Hagan, a building contractor residing in Abelemkpe, Accra, was introduced to the accused persons through a mutual acquaintance in November 2022. The accused reportedly claimed ownership of a parcel of land in Fise and offered it for sale at GH¢120,000.
The complainant was taken to the site by the accused persons, who identified it as their property. Convinced by their claims, Mr. Hagan paid the full amount and was issued receipts by Derrick First-Quao. Subsequently, an indenture dated December 10, 2022, was prepared in Mr. Hagan's name by the first accused.
However, when Mr. Hagan attempted to develop the property, he was met with resistance from another individual who claimed ownership of the land. Upon confronting the accused persons, they allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation but promised to relocate him to another parcel of land.
Mr. Hagan agreed to the relocation after paying an additional GH¢35,000, bringing his total payment to GH¢155,000. Unfortunately, his troubles did not end there. When he began constructing a fence wall on the new site, other claimants emerged and drove him and his workers away.
Investigations and Arrest
Realizing he had been defrauded, Mr. Hagan reported the matter to the police. Investigations revealed that the land in question had been legally assigned to one Boateng Asante Gyan in 2002 and was duly registered at the Lands Commission under land certificate number GA.22509. Further findings indicated that the registered owner had leased the property to auto-mechanics operating on the site since 2002.
These revelations confirmed that the accused persons had no legitimate title to the land they purportedly sold. Following investigations, they were arrested and subsequently charged with the offenses.
Lessons and Implications
This case serves as a cautionary tale for individuals engaging in real estate transactions. It highlights the critical importance of verifying land ownership through official channels such as the Lands Commission before making any financial commitments.
As this matter unfolds in court, it is hoped that justice will be served and that it will serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt similar fraudulent activities. The case also underscores the need for continued public education on land acquisition processes to protect potential buyers from falling victim to such schemes.
Stay tuned for updates as this case progresses in court.
-thechronicle
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
