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A 45-year-old unemployed woman, Faustina Foli, has been remanded into police custody by an Accra Circuit Court over allegations of defrauding an insurance officer of GHC265,000 under the pretense of securing U.S. and Canadian visas.
Foli, charged with defrauding by false pretenses, pleaded not guilty. Presiding Judge Mr. Isaac Addo denied her bail application, citing her previous record of jumping bail and committing similar offenses while on bail. The court ordered the prosecution to file its disclosures within two weeks, adjourning the case to December 24, 2024.
Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, representing the prosecution, revealed that Foli allegedly approached the complainant, Daniel Acquay, in October 2024, claiming her fiancé, Charles Agbele, worked at the Canadian High Commission and could facilitate visas at reduced costs.
Foli showed Acquay what she claimed were successful visa documents handled by Agbele. Convinced, Acquay paid a total of GHC265,000 for visas for his daughter and three relatives. However, Foli failed to deliver and went into hiding after collecting the money and passports.
Upon reporting the matter to the police, Acquay learned that Foli had provided conflicting information about her residence and identity. The prosecution added that Foli claimed to have handed the funds to a person named “Kojo” but failed to provide actionable details to the authorities.
Foli’s counsel, Mr. Chris Akummey, pleaded for bail, emphasizing that his client had been in custody for over ten days. He refuted allegations that Foli was Togolese, asserting her Ghanaian roots and Volta Region origin. He also appealed for leniency, arguing that Foli may not have fully understood the consequences of her actions.
Despite these arguments, the court maintained its decision, given Foli’s history of absconding and her inability to provide accurate details about her alleged accomplices.
The prosecution is extending its investigation to the Canadian High Commission to verify Charles Agbele’s claimed employment. It was also discovered during her arrest that Foli had no fixed address, despite her possession of a Ghana Card.
The case continues as authorities seek further clarity and justice for the complainant.
