This case revolves around Ernestina Koranteng, a 47-year-old teacher accused of stealing and defrauding a Ghanaian resident in the United States. The charges stem from a series of financial transactions between 2020 and 2021, during which Koranteng allegedly received a total of $44,400 from the complainant under false pretenses. The prosecution contends that Koranteng promised to use the funds to build a house for the complainant in Ablekuma-Joma, Accra, and to establish a pharmacy business. However, these promises were allegedly never fulfilled, leading to Koranteng’s arrest and subsequent court appearance.
The initial transaction involved two vehicles, a Chevrolet Sonic and a VW Passat, imported by the complainant and entrusted to Koranteng. Valued at $5,500 and $6,000 respectively, these cars were allegedly sold by Koranteng, who claimed she would use the proceeds towards the construction of the complainant’s house on a plot of land she purportedly acquired in Ablekuma-Joma. Further payments totaling $18,400 were subsequently sent by the complainant for the development of the land. Additionally, Koranteng is accused of receiving $15,000 from the complainant to set up a pharmacy.
The alleged deception came to light in December 2024 when the complainant returned to Ghana and requested to see the house and the pharmacy. Koranteng presented a house in Dansoman, claiming it was the property she had acquired for the complainant. However, upon further investigation, it was revealed that the house was not owned by the complainant and was, in fact, a short-stay rental property. Moreover, the promised pharmacy was nonexistent.
The complainant, sensing foul play, reported the matter to the police in January 2025, leading to Koranteng’s arrest. During the investigation, Koranteng led the police to a vacant plot of land in Ablekuma-Joma, claiming it was the location where the house had been built but subsequently demolished. However, police investigations contradicted this claim, finding no evidence of any demolition having taken place on the site.
Koranteng appeared before the Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo, to answer to charges of two counts of stealing and two counts of defrauding by false pretense. She pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court granted her bail in the sum of one million Ghana cedis, with the condition of providing three sureties residing within the court’s jurisdiction. The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Daniel Ofori-Appiah, was instructed to comply with disclosure rules. The case has been adjourned to April 9, 2025.
This case highlights the potential vulnerabilities of individuals residing abroad who invest in property or businesses in their home countries. The complainant, trusting Koranteng, remitted significant sums of money for projects that were never realized. The alleged deception involved not only the misappropriation of funds but also elaborate fabrications regarding the existence of both the house and the pharmacy. The court proceedings will ultimately determine the veracity of the accusations and the extent of Koranteng’s culpability. The significant bail amount reflects the seriousness of the alleged offenses and the potential financial losses incurred by the complainant. The adjournment provides time for both the prosecution and the defense to prepare their cases and gather evidence to present before the court.
