A 62-year-old self-styled businesswoman, Nana Asoh Owusu-Amenyo, has been remanded for the third time by the Adabraka District Court over allegations of defrauding a fellow entrepreneur of $13,000 through false pretenses.
The accused, widely known as Ohemaa, faces charges of fraudulently claiming ownership of high-value properties and business assets to secure funds from the complainant, Dorothy Asare, between 2023 and 2024.
Presiding Judge Abena Asoh Owusu-Omenyo denied bail on grounds that Owusu-Amenyo posed a flight risk, citing her previous evasion of court processes. The case has been adjourned to April 30, 2025, for further proceedings.
Prosecutor Chief Inspector Apewa Achana detailed the allegations, stating that Owusu-Amenyo falsely presented herself as a business magnate with ownership of Ohemaa Plaza in East Legon, fishing vessels in Takoradi, and a residence in Accra’s Airport Residential Area. She allegedly convinced Asare to provide $5,000 to clear nonexistent containers at Tema Port, later demanding an additional $8,000 to resolve fabricated port issues.
The complainant complied but grew suspicious after repeated excuses delayed repayment. Investigations revealed Owusu-Amenyo had no ties to the claimed properties, partnerships, or port activities. She had also vacated her Airport Residential home, leaving no trace.
Owusu-Amenyo, arrested in March 2024 following a December 2023 bench warrant, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Prosecutors emphasized her inability to substantiate ownership of any alleged assets during interrogations.
The case underscores recurring challenges in Ghana’s business environment, where fraudulent schemes exploiting trust and informal networks remain prevalent. Legal experts note that such incidents often strain judicial resources, particularly when defendants repeatedly evade court appearances.
While the accused maintains her innocence, the prosecution’s reliance on documented false claims and witness testimony may strengthen its case. The outcome could influence broader efforts to deter financial fraud, a priority for authorities amid rising reports of white-collar crimes targeting small and medium enterprises.
As proceedings advance, stakeholders will monitor whether heightened scrutiny leads to swifter resolutions in similar cases, balancing due process with the need to protect vulnerable entrepreneurs from predatory practices.
