An Accra Circuit Court has remanded 48-year-old businessman Charles Nti Denkyira into police custody for allegedly misappropriating $60,000.
Denkyira, who faces theft charges, pleaded not guilty and is set to reappear in court, presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo, on October 15, 2024.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Seth Frimpong, outlined the case involving the complainant, Baah Kofi Ofori, a businessman residing in ACP Estates, Pokuase, Accra.
Denkyira, who lives in East Legon, was reportedly approached in October 2021 by Frank Owusu Fordjour, a childhood friend of Ofori living in the UK. Fordjour convinced Ofori to invest $60,000 in a pharmaceutical venture with Denkyira and Richard Atuahene, also based in Ghana.
According to the prosecution, on the evening of October 2022, Ofori met Denkyira at the Achimota Shell Filling Station and handed over the $60,000 in cash. After the transaction, Atuahene and Denkyira confirmed receipt of the money.
However, feeling uneasy about the arrangement, Ofori later requested his money back. Atuahene claimed he had given the funds to Denkyira for delivery to Ofori that same night.
When Ofori attempted to reach Denkyira, he was told that Denkyira was en route with the money, but Denkyira never arrived. Efforts to contact him subsequently proved fruitless, and he ceased all communication before going into hiding.
The complainant eventually reported the matter to the police, leading to Denkyira’s arrest. During interrogation, Denkyira admitted to the offense and returned $11,000 to the police, which was then handed over to Ofori.
Initially granted police enquiry bail, Denkyira failed to report back, prompting the police to take action against his sureties after several adjournments.
On June 5, 2024, a warrant for Denkyira’s arrest was issued under Section 60(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act. He was located and apprehended at his hideout in Koforidua on October 1, 2024.
