- Two men charged with impersonating MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
- They pleaded not guilty to six counts of fraud and were granted bail.
- Their lawyer was absent, but a new lawyer took on the case pro bono.
- The case was adjourned to July 25 for further proceedings.
Two individuals, Promise Ahorgah and Kwaotse Mawuli, appeared in court on Monday, July 8, facing charges of impersonating North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The accused allegedly created social media accounts in Ablakwa’s name to solicit funds from victims of the Akosombo and Kpong Dam Spillage.
The prosecution, led by Senior State Attorney Nancy Korkor Hammond, alleges that the duo defrauded unsuspecting Ghanaians of various sums of money. They have pleaded not guilty to six counts of fraud and have been granted GHC50,000 bail each.
However, the defense counsel for the accused was absent in court, leaving the duo without legal representation. They explained to Justice Lydia Osei that their lawyer had dropped the case due to non-payment of fees. The accused persons pleaded with the court for more time to resolve their legal representation issues. Justice Osei Marfo appealed to lawyers present in the courtroom to come to the aid of the accused persons.
Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, who was present with his team of lawyers, offered to take on the case pro bono. Kpebu’s intervention saved the day, ensuring that the accused persons received legal representation. The prosecution informed the court that they were supposed to file a new charge sheet based on new information but had been unable to complete the task. Hammond assured the court that the new charge sheet would be filed by the next hearing date.
The judge, considering the circumstances and the commitments made by the prosecution, adjourned the case to July 25. The additional time is expected to allow both the defense and prosecution to prepare adequately for the next phase of the trial. The case has raised concerns about the increasing cases of impersonation and fraud in Ghana. The accused persons’ alleged actions have sparked outrage, with many calling for harsh punishment if found guilty.
The adjournment has given the accused persons a temporary reprieve, but the prosecution is expected to come back stronger with new evidence. The case is expected to continue on July 25, with the defense and prosecution ready to present their arguments. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the fight against fraud and impersonation in Ghana. As the legal process unfolds, many will be watching with keen interest to see justice served.
