Kumasi, Nov. 25, GNA - A Kumasi-based businessman was on Wednesday remanded in prison custody by a Kumasi Circuit court for allegedly defrauding seven persons including a housewife in the sum of 164 million cedis under the pretext of sending them abroad. Kofi Boateng pleaded not guilty to the charges and would re-appear on December 6.

Police Chief Inspector Appiah Kubi, prosecuting told the court presided over by Mr Ernest Yao Obimpeh, that Boateng claimed to be the director of Eeboat Travel and Tours Agency based in Kumasi. He said between 2001 and 2005 the accused had contacts with the seven complainants on different occasions and received various monies both in local and foreign currencies from them under the pretext of sending them abroad.

The complainants were Frimpong Baafi, Joseph Appiah Djan, Janet Adjei, Yaw Osei, Ernest Acheampong, one Obeng and Amoah Acheampong. Police Chief Inspector Appiah Kubi said the complainants most of whom were businessmen managed to pay the monies to Boateng to process their travelling documents.

The prosecutor said Boateng after collecting the monies went into hiding until one of the complainants had the accused arrested and handed over to the police.

He said when the other complainants heard of Boateng's arrest, they went to the police station and identified the accused. 25 Nov.05