Samuel Mensah Addey, a trader and caretaker, has recently appeared before the Accra Circuit Court on charges of allegedly selling his employer’s land at Lashibi for an amount totaling GH₵200,000. In addition to the land, Addey is accused of selling construction materials including sand, stones, and blocks with a combined value of GH₵30,000. The accused, facing two counts of theft, has entered a plea of not guilty.
The Alleged Land Sale Incident
According to Chief Inspector John Gohoho, the prosecutor in the case, the complainant, Mr. William Adjei Kodua, is a businessperson residing in Teshie Nungua Estate. Addey, the accused, also resides in Nungua. The alleged incident took place on February 12, 2021, when Addey purportedly facilitated the purchase of a plot of land in Lashibi on behalf of Mr. Kodua. The land, owned by the proprietor of Red Bulb Guest House, was acquired for GH₵200,000, with an additional GH₵30,000 spent on sand, stones, and blocks for construction purposes.
Documents pertaining to the land were reportedly provided to the parties involved. Subsequently, Mr. Kodua entrusted the land to Addey in order to prevent any potential encroachments.
In 2022, it is alleged that Addey divided the land into two and proceeded to sell it to interested buyers. The funds obtained from the sale were purportedly expended by Addey.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Presiding over the case, Oheneba Kuffour, a judge at the Accra Circuit Court, granted bail to Mr. Addey in the sum of GH₵250,000. The bail is contingent on the provision of three sureties, each backed by a movable titled deed, and are required to be justified.
In light of the allegations, when Mr. Kodua demanded the owed amount from Addey, the latter reportedly evaded the request. This led Mr. Kodua to report the matter to the police. Subsequent to his apprehension, Addey purportedly admitted to the offense during police interrogation.
The case remains under the jurisdiction of the Accra Circuit Court, where further legal proceedings will take place.