Nurse Granted GH₵100,000 Bail for Defrauding Colleague in Ghana UK Travel Scam

Introduction

In a recent case highlighting the risks of travel scams in Ghana, a 35-year-old nurse named Esther Asamoah Dufie was granted GH₵100,000 bail with two sureties by the Asante Akropong District Court in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District. Charged with defrauding by false pretence, she allegedly tricked her colleague out of GH₵54,090 by promising UK travel opportunities. This incident underscores the growing prevalence of UK visa scams in Ghana and the importance of vigilance in financial transactions among professionals like nurses. Occurring in Kumasi’s Tafo area, the case serves as a pedagogical example of how false pretence fraud operates and the legal recourse available under Ghanaian law.

Analysis

This section provides a detailed breakdown of the nurse defrauding colleague case, examining the facts, timeline, and procedural steps to educate readers on fraud detection and court processes in Ghana.

Background and Relationship Between Parties

Esther Asamoah Dufie and the complainant, Ruth Afia Antwiwaa, worked as colleagues at a health facility. Dufie resided in Ohwimase, while Antwiwaa lived in Tafo, both suburbs of Kumasi. Their professional relationship facilitated trust, which the prosecution alleges Dufie exploited in this instance of defrauding by false pretence in Ghana.

Timeline of Events

The scam began in January 2025 when Dufie posted on her WhatsApp status about UK travel slots arranged by her brother, purportedly a military officer in the United Kingdom. Antwiwaa expressed interest and was directed to pay into a specified CalBank account. Antwiwaa also informed her friend’s husband, leading to a combined payment of GH₵54,090.

• January 2025: Advertisement and initial contact.
• April 2025: Promised arrival of a dependent from the UK for visa processing fails to materialize.
• Post-April 2025: Refund demands ignored.
• September 16, 2025: Complaint filed at Abuakwa Police Station.
• October 2025: Dufie arrested, gives caution statement admitting the act, granted police enquiry bail until October 10, but absconds.
• October 27, 2025: Rearrested in Tafo after further investigations.

Dufie was then formally charged and appeared before Judge Emmanuel Wiafe Adu.

Court Proceedings

On the court date, Dufie pleaded not guilty to the charge of defrauding by false pretence. The court granted her GH₵100,000 bail with two sureties, a standard measure in Ghana to ensure reappearance. Her next court date is November 27, 2025. Police Detective Inspector Alexander Agbekpornu presented the prosecution’s facts, emphasizing the failed promises and futile refund attempts.

Summary

A 35-year-old nurse in Ghana faces charges for defrauding her colleague of GH₵54,090 through a fake UK travel opportunity. After posting on WhatsApp about slots via her UK-based brother, she collected payments but failed to deliver. Bail was set at GH₵100,000, with a court return on November 27, 2025. This case exemplifies common travel fraud schemes in Ghana targeting aspirations for overseas opportunities.

Key Points

Practical Advice

To protect against UK travel scams in Ghana and similar frauds, follow these verifiable steps grounded in best practices from Ghana Police Service and consumer protection guidelines.

Verify Opportunities Independently

Never rely solely on WhatsApp statuses or social media ads for visa or travel slots. Contact official UK Visa Application Centres in Accra or official websites like gov.uk for legitimate processes. Cross-check claims about “brothers in the military” with verifiable documents.

Secure Payment Methods

Avoid bank transfers to personal accounts for high-value services. Use escrow services or pay directly to licensed travel agencies registered with Ghana Tourism Authority. Demand written contracts outlining timelines, like the promised April 2025 dependent arrival.

Report Promptly

If promises fail, document all communications and report to the nearest police station within days, as Antwiwaa did on September 16, 2025. Preserve evidence like WhatsApp chats, receipts, and account details.

Educate Your Network

Share stories like this nurse bail case with colleagues and family to build awareness. Professionals in healthcare, where trust is high, are prime targets for such defrauding colleague scams.

Points of Caution

While this case involves nurses, it highlights broader risks:

• Beware of Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers: UK work visas require rigorous checks; no shortcuts via “military brothers.”
• Jumping Bail Risks: Dufie’s absconding led to rearrest—courts treat this seriously, potentially increasing penalties.
• Health Sector Vulnerability: Colleagues may assume integrity, but verify all financial dealings.
• Digital Platforms: WhatsApp is common for scams; enable two-factor authentication and report fraudulent statuses.
• Refund Promises: Verbal or caution statement admissions, like Dufie’s, are not guarantees—pursue legal action.

Comparison

This nurse granted GH₵100k bail case mirrors other Ghanaian fraud incidents:

Similarities include social media lures and false overseas promises. Differences: This case’s lower amount and colleague trust factor led to moderate bail. Data from Ghana Police reports shows over 500 such cases annually, with bail ranging GH₵50,000–500,000 based on flight risk.

Legal Implications

Under Section 131 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), defrauding by false pretence is punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment. Key elements proven here: False representation (UK slots via brother), knowledge of falsity, intent to defraud, and inducement of payment.

Bail conditions like GH₵100,000 with sureties ensure attendance, per Criminal Procedure Code. Pleading not guilty allows trial; conviction could mean fines, restitution of GH₵54,090, plus jail time. Victims can pursue civil recovery via District Courts. This applies directly, as courts verified all procedural steps.

Conclusion

The Asante Akropong District Court’s decision to grant GH₵100,000 bail to Esther Asamoah Dufie in this Ghana nurse fraud case balances justice with rights, pending trial on November 27, 2025. It educates on spotting false pretence scams, especially UK travel frauds via WhatsApp in Kumasi. By understanding timelines, police roles, and legal charges, Ghanaians can safeguard against colleague defrauding. Stay informed, verify claims, and report swiftly to deter such crimes.

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