Joseph Botchwey Granted Bail: Reverend Joseph Botchwey, a 73-year-old evangelist, has been granted bail by an Accra Circuit Court after being charged with defrauding a businessman under false pretenses.
The reverend is accused of accepting GH₵15,000 from the complainant, promising to sell him a Hyundai Accent Saloon car but failing to do so.
Additionally, Botchwey allegedly issued a GH₵13,000 Cal Bank cheque, knowing there were insufficient funds in his account. The reverend pleaded not guilty to the charges during the court proceedings.
Bail Granted and Conditions
Presided over by Mr. Joojo Amoah Hagan, the Accra Circuit Court admitted Reverend Botchwey to bail in the sum of GH₵50,000 with two sureties. One of the sureties is required to provide proof of landed property ownership. The case has been adjourned until August 8, 2023, for further proceedings.
Background and Allegations
According to Police Chief Inspector Daniel Danku, the complainant, Mr. Yaw Agyare Danquah, is a businessman residing in Kwabenya, while the accused, Reverend Joseph Botchwey, lives in Lartebiokorshie.
The alleged fraudulent incident took place in May 2022 when the accused offered his Hyundai Accent Saloon car for sale and discussed it with the complainant.
Fraudulent Transaction and False Cheque Issuance
Impressed by the offer, Mr. Danquah expressed interest in purchasing the vehicle and paid the requested amount of GH₵15,500. However, on May 4, 2022, when the complainant arrived to collect the car, Reverend Botchwey began evading him.
The complainant grew frustrated and demanded a refund of his money. In response, the accused issued two Cal Bank cheques with a total face value of GH₵13,000, instructing the complainant to cash them at the bank on November 28, 2022.
Discovery of Fraudulent Actions
When the complainant presented the cheques to the bank on the specified date, they were dishonored due to insufficient funds in Reverend Botchwey’s account. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Mr. Danquah promptly reported the incident to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused.
Reverend Joseph Botchwey, the evangelist accused of defrauding a businessman through false pretenses and issuing a fraudulent cheque, has been granted bail by the Accra Circuit Court.
As the legal proceedings continue, the court will further examine the evidence and testimonies related to the alleged fraud. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when engaging in financial transactions and the legal consequences that can arise from fraudulent activities.
