Kade, July 15, GNA - A Kade Magistrate's court has remanded Richard Ohene Gyan who allegedly posed as a staff of Ghana Commercial Bank and defrauded two traders under the pretext of securing loans for them to expand their businesses in prison custody. He was additionally charged for stealing a mobile phone belonging to one of the complainants.

Gyan's plea was not taken and would re-appear on July 22. Police Inspector D.T. Nartey, prosecuting, told the court presided over by Mr Kwaku Baah Frempong that Gyan travelled with one of the complainants Josephine Ashimadu from Accra to Akwatia on June 25. He said Gyan introduced himself as an employee of Dansoman Branch of Ghana Commercial and convinced Josephine that he (Gyan) could assist her to acquire loan from the "Government Poverty Alleviation Fund". The prosecution said Gyan invited Josephine to his hometown, Bomso, near Asuom and he made a reciprocal visit to Josephine at Akwatia. Police Inspector Nartey said at Akwatia, Josephine introduced Gyan to Lucy Doku who also expressed interest in the loan to promote her business.

He said Gyan demanded and obtained 200 Ghana cedis from Josephine and 50 Ghana cedis from Lucy and together with their two passport size photographs to be used to process the loan application documents. The prosecution said Gyan who told them that he had left his mobile phone at home, collected Josephine's mobile phone under the pretext of making a call but bolted with it and a report was made to the police. Police Inspector Nartey said on July 03, the complainants called Gyan on the phone that several market women were ready with their documents and processing fees therefore, he should come for them to enable them secure the loan.

He said in the afternoon, Gyan arrived at Akwatia to collect the documents and monies but the complainants who alerted the police and had laid ambush arrested Gyan after he was identified. Police Inspector Nartey said after investigations Gyan was charged with the offence and Josephine's mobile phone retrieved. 15 July 08