State considers New Charges for Ablakwa Impersonators, Bissue, and Ampem-Nyarko Named as Victims

State prosecutors are considering filing additional charges against two men accused of impersonating the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Recent investigations have uncovered further offenses, with Hannah Bissue, the National Democratic Congress’ Women Organiser, and Thomas Ampem-Nyarko, Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, as the latest victims.

Promise Ahorgah, a phone repairer, and Kwaotse Mawuli, a building construction laborer, allegedly created social media accounts in the name of the North Tongu MP to solicit funds for victims affected by the Akosombo and Kpong Dam spillages.

Both accused persons have pleaded not guilty to six counts of allegedly defrauding unsuspecting Ghanaians and have been granted GH₵50,000 bail each.

Joyce Yinsoma Tindana, a State Attorney holding brief for the substantive attorney, Watkins Adama, informed the court on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, that the Attorney General’s Office has received the case docket after requesting further investigations into the matter.

“Considering the volumes of documents brought to our attention, and the fact that similar offenses have been discovered by the republic regarding the accused persons, some of which involve the impersonation of other public figures like Hon. Thomas Ampem-Nyarko (MP, Asuogyaman) and Hannah Bissue (NDC, National Women Organiser), among others,” she told the Court.

“In light of the extensive investigations conducted and new discoveries made, the republic is inclined to file new charges and compile all relevant documents for disclosure,” she added.

The suspects were arrested on December 13, 2024 by the National Signals Bureau.

The counts comprise two counts each of defrauding by false pretenses, charlatanic advertisement, and falsely pretending to be a public officer.

The prosecution detailed how the accused persons, holding themselves out as the complainant, published fake and deceitful flyers on social media platforms, requesting cash donations into their mobile money accounts.

The prosecution said the complainant, who chanced upon the fake flyer on social media, petitioned the National Signals Bureau, leading to the arrest of the accused persons.

The trial judge, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, adjourned the case to June 24 for closing addresses and summing up. The trial by way of evidence concluded on February 14.