Accra, Jan. 6, GNA - Andrew Ofori Asare, a trader who allegedly defrauded his colleague of GHC100,000 under the pretext of purchasing two containers of second hand clothes but failed, appeared before an Accra Circuit Court on Wednesday.

Asare pleaded not guilty to defrauding by false pretences. The court presided over by Mrs. Ivy Heward-Mills, admitted Asare to GHC150,000 bail with two sureties to re-appear in two weeks time. Prosecuting, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) P.K. Frimpong told the court that the complainant who lives in Abidjan and Asare deal in second hand clothes.

Between April and May 2009, the complainant paid GHC40,000 and GHC60,000 into the account of Asare through Intercontinental Bank to supply him with two containers of used clothes. Prosecution said after withdrawing the money, Asare promised to send the money to his Korean partners who would export the goods to the complainant in Abidjan.

When the goods arrived in Abidjan, complainant went to clear the goods but was confronted by two Nigerians who claimed ownership. Prosecution said the Nigerians showed the complainant their documents covering the goods.

The complainant therefore confronted Asare who pleaded for time to refund the money, but went into hiding and switched of his cell phone. The prosecution said the complainant therefore travelled to Ghana and lodged a complaint with the police who arrested the accused. He said during interrogation, Asare pleaded with the police for time to sell his house to defray the debt but failed to do so. 6 Jan. 10