The Accra Circuit Court has sentenced Francis Figah Agbey, a 39-year-old mason, to 48 months' imprisonment with hard labour for defrauding a businesswoman of GH¢44,800. Agbey was convicted for collecting the money from Madam Tina Asamoah under the pretext of supplying seven tonnes of iron rods for her building project at Adjen-Kotoku. The court, presided over by Ms Susanna Nyakotey, took into account Agbey's status as a first-time offender but also considered his decision to jump bail and abscond in November 2025.
According to the prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Beatrice Achiaa Appiah, Madam Asamoah was undertaking a building project and approached Agbey for assistance in procuring seven tonnes of iron rods. Agbey assured her that he would consult his steel supplier and procure the materials. On May 6, 2025, he collected GH¢44,800 from her but disappeared without supplying the items. The complainant subsequently reported the matter to the police, and investigations led to Agbey's arrest at his hideout.
Agbey initially pleaded not guilty to the offence when he was first charged in November 2025. However, when he reappeared before the court on Tuesday, September 22, he changed his plea to guilty, explaining that he had not understood the distinction between the various plea options when the charge was first read to him. The court subsequently reread and explained the charge to him, after which he maintained his guilty plea.
In his explanation to the court, Agbey claimed that shortly after receiving the money, the complainant informed him that she had been bereaved. He said after the funeral, he attempted to purchase the iron rods from his usual supplier but was informed that he could not store the materials at the company's premises after purchase. He further stated that he was unable to find a secure storage facility for the rods and, therefore, decided to keep the money.
Agbey also told the court that while the money was in his possession, a friend borrowed GH¢34,800 from him to purchase a certain bottle, promising to repay the amount within a month. The convict said the friend failed to repay the loan before his arrest. He said he subsequently refunded GH¢10,000 to the complainant and appealed to the police to grant him time to settle the outstanding balance.
The court held that Agbey's explanation did not constitute a valid defence and accordingly convicted him. In sentencing Agbey, the court considered aggravating factors, including his decision to jump bail and abscond, which necessitated efforts and public resources to track him down and re-arrest him.
The case highlights the issue of fraud in Ghana, particularly in the construction industry. The Ghana Police Service and the judiciary have been working to combat such crimes, and the sentence handed down to Agbey serves as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to engage in similar fraudulent activities.
Key points
- The Accra Circuit Court sentenced Francis Figah Agbey to 48 months' imprisonment with hard labour for defrauding a businesswoman of GH¢44,800.
- Agbey collected the money under the pretext of supplying seven tonnes of iron rods for the businesswoman's building project but failed to deliver the materials.
- The court considered Agbey's status as a first-time offender and his decision to jump bail and abscond in determining his sentence.
