Ghanaian entrepreneur and socialite Irene Adusei Sarkodie, known as Maame Gold, has publicly disclosed that she was allegedly defrauded of approximately $130,000 by a woman she considered a close friend. The friendship began on Facebook, and Maame Gold claims the woman, who she referred to as her "sister," convinced her to invest in a land purchase in Shiashie, Accra. Maame Gold shared her experience on the Okukuseku show with Emelia Brobbey, which aired on September 21, 2026.
Maame Gold recounted that after returning to Ghana following a long stay abroad, she rented a shop for her business but found the rent to be excessively high. It was during this time that she met the woman on Facebook, who suggested she buy land instead of renting, calling it a "smart financial move." The woman showed Maame Gold around Accra, and their relationship evolved into a sisterly bond, with Maame Gold opening her home to the woman and treating her as family.
Based on the trust she had built with her "sister," Maame Gold handed over a Mercedes-Benz ML350 and $95,000 in cash to individuals the woman introduced as the land sellers, without obtaining a receipt. She later paid an additional GH¢75,000 when the woman claimed more money was needed for documentation and related processes. However, Maame Gold eventually discovered that she had been defrauded, and the land remains undeveloped due to an ongoing ownership dispute currently before the Adenta Court in Accra.
Maame Gold stated that her total losses amount to about $125,000, although the widely reported figure from her interview is approximately $130,000. She mentioned that court proceedings have helped her recover some funds, but she is still owed around $45,000. Maame Gold expressed that what disturbed her the most was not just the money given to the alleged sellers but the amount she directly handed to the woman she trusted as a sister.
The woman allegedly involved in the fraud reportedly told others that Maame Gold's boyfriend at the time had brought her the land deal, a claim Maame Gold strongly denies. This case highlights a common pattern in Ghanaian property disputes, where land deals are often brokered through personal relationships and trust, rather than verified documentation or checks with relevant land authorities.
The incident serves as a reminder to Ghanaians, particularly those returning from abroad and unfamiliar with local property processes, of the risks involved in transferring large sums or valuable assets without receipts, contracts, or independent verification of land ownership. Maame Gold's experience underscores the importance of exercising caution and diligence in financial transactions, especially when they involve significant amounts of money or valuable assets.
The matter is currently before the Adenta Court in Accra, with Maame Gold seeking resolution and recovery of her losses. The case is ongoing, and no hearing date has been specified. This incident has raised awareness about the need for vigilance and proper documentation in land deals and financial transactions in Ghana.
Key points
- Maame Gold lost approximately $130,000 in a land deal she claims was fraudulent.
- The alleged fraud involved a woman Maame Gold considered a close friend, whom she met on Facebook.
- The case highlights the risks of land deals brokered through personal relationships without verified documentation.
