Accra Circuit Court: Ghana Pastor Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng Bail Denied

• Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, an online pastor, has been remanded into police custody over alleged romance scams involving seven complainants.
• Kwarteng faces additional charges of defrauding by false pretences, resisting arrest, and making, producing and possessing obscene material.
• The prosecution alleges that Kwarteng used his Instagram page to scam individuals, including an ambassador and businesswomen, by proposing romantic relationships and demanding money under false pretences.

The court's decision comes after Inspector Frank Morgan Dorvi, leading the prosecution, opposed bail for Kwarteng, citing concerns that he was a flight risk and investigations were ongoing.

An Accra Circuit Court has remanded online pastor Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng into police custody for the second time over alleged romance scams involving seven complainants. The court's decision comes after Inspector Frank Morgan Dorvi, leading the prosecution, opposed bail for Kwarteng, citing concerns that he was a flight risk and investigations were ongoing. Kwarteng faces additional charges of defrauding by false pretences, resisting arrest, and making, producing and possessing obscene material.

The case highlights the growing concern of online scams in Ghana, with Kwarteng operating an Instagram page with over 21,000 followers, presenting himself as a pastor. The prosecution alleges that he used his platform to scam seven individuals, including an ambassador and businesswomen, by proposing romantic relationships and demanding money under false pretences. Compliance officers may want to review internal policies on dealing with online scams and ensure that employees are aware of the risks. Lawyers should also be cautious when advising clients who claim to have a romantic interest in them.

The case underscores the need for vigilance in online interactions, particularly when individuals claim to have a romantic interest. The prosecution's allegations against Kwarteng and his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, demonstrate the sophistication of online scams and the importance of verifying information before engaging with strangers. The court's decision to deny bail highlights the seriousness with which authorities are taking these cases, and serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit others for financial gain.

Lawyers should be aware of the potential for online pastors to use their platforms for romance scams, and advise clients to exercise caution when interacting with individuals who claim to have a romantic interest in them. Additionally, compliance officers may want to review internal policies on dealing with online scams and ensure that employees are aware of the risks.

Source: Original reporting via GNA