A Singaporean entrepreneur, Toh You Kang, has filed a human rights lawsuit at the Human Rights Division of the High Court in Accra, demanding GH¢20 million in damages from Ghanaian politician and businessman, Emmanuel Nii Ashie-Moore for contract fraud.
The suit, which includes a 66-paragraph affidavit, accuses Ashie-Moore of orchestrating a scheme that led to Kang’s prolonged detention in police custody, unlawful seizure of property, and financial loss exceeding $2 million.
Filed under Article 33 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and Order 67 of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, the action seeks redress for what Kang describes as grave violations of his fundamental rights and economic fraud.
Business venture turns sour
According to court documents filed by Kang’s counsel, Cephas Boyuo of Boyuo @ Law, the businessman was introduced to Ashie-Moore through a Chinese associate, Mrs. Liang Liu Bing, with whom Kang had previously conducted successful business transactions.
With an interest in entering Ghana’s electric cable market, Kang alleges that Ashie-Moore presented himself as well-connected and capable of securing contracts from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Per the affidavit, Ashie-Moore allegedly persuaded Kang to pay $800,000—an upfront fee purportedly linked to ECG contracts.
A portion of the funds was reportedly collected in Singapore by an individual named “Henry,” identified as Ashie-Moore’s associate. The two parties then established a company called NSG Innovation Limited, with the intention of using it as a vehicle to execute ECG contracts allegedly facilitated through Ashie-Moore’s influence.
Silence and new demands
However, after the funds were paid, Kang claims Ashie-Moore went silent.
For two months, there was no communication or update on the ECG contracts.
When contact resumed, Ashie-Moore allegedly shifted the conversation to new investment opportunities in Ghana’s oil and gas sector, without addressing the status of the earlier agreement.
In addition, Kang claims that Ashie-Moore solicited a $1.5 million contribution toward the campaign activities of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), asserting that the request was tied to high-level political connections—including former President John Dramani Mahama.
WhatsApp messages attached as evidence in the motion reportedly show Ashie-Moore making references to the President and even proposing phone conversations to bolster the business relationship.
Trip to Ghana ends in detention
The legal documents further reveal that Kang was invited to Ghana for a three-day business visit from May 28 to May 30, 2025. Upon arrival, events allegedly took a disturbing turn.
Kang states that Ashie-Moore, using armed men, deprived him of his liberty and demanded an additional $3 million—this time from Mrs. Liang Liu Bing, the same associate who first introduced them.
According to the motion, Kang was detained against his will, his mobile phones and money were seized, and he was subsequently arrested and held in police custody after being denied bail by the Dansoman Circuit Court.
Extortion allegations and embassy intervention
The affidavit alleges that while Kang was being held, Ashie-Moore contacted Kang’s brother abroad, demanding the $3 million ransom in exchange for Kang’s release.
As proof of the severity of the situation, photographs of Kang in police custody at the Accra Regional Command were reportedly sent to his brother.
In what Kang describes as a clear case of extortion and abuse of power, he turned to the Singaporean Embassy in Ghana for assistance.
Following consultations with embassy officials, legal steps were initiated, culminating in the current human rights suit.
Seeking justice and recovery
Kang’s legal team is asking the Human Rights Court to compel Ashie-Moore to refund the $800,000 allegedly received under false pretenses, and to award GH¢20 million as compensation for the alleged breaches of his rights, including unlawful arrest, detention, and economic loss.
The case, filed under suit number HR/0131/2025, presents detailed depositions, WhatsApp conversations, photographic evidence, and supporting exhibits.
It is expected to attract significant public and legal interest, given the political connections and international dimensions involved.
Ashie-Moore is yet to respond publicly or file a formal defense to the suit.
