Akim Oda (E/R), Jan 8, GNA - The Akim Oda Magistrate Court has convicted a 25-year-old farmer, Samuel Kofi Amaning, for defrauding another farmer under the pretext of selling his fresh maize valued at GH¢200 to t= he complainant. The court presided over by Mr Albert Owusu Annor ordered Amaning to pa= y an additional GH¢200 as compensation to the complainant, Kwabena Oduro. Amaning, who pleaded guilty to defrauding by false pretence, would serve a 12-month prison term in hard labour, if he failed to pay the fine. Briefing the court, Police Inspector Kingsley K. Antwi, said the 46-year-old complainant was a farmer and a native of Akim Swedru, while the convict was a native of Akim Adiembra.

He stated that sometime in 2007, Oduro cultivated a large maize farm a= t Boasake village near Akim Aduasa and when the crop was harvested, Amaning approached him and expressed interest in buying the fresh maize which Mr Oduro obliged.

Amaning later informed Oduro that since he was not financially sound, he wanted to also sell the maize before making payment, which Mr Oduro agreed, but after taking the maize Amaning failed to honour his promise and rather went into hiding, Inspector Antwi said.

According to Inspector Antwi, on December 12, 2010 the convict was involved in a stealing case and was arrested and identified as the one who defrauded Mr Oduro.