A 32-year-old man, Abdul Munaf Lawal, has been sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment with hard labour by the Asokwa Circuit Court for defrauding by false pretenses.
The case stemmed from a report filed on July 27, 2023, after Lawal took US$50,000 from the complainant under the guise of converting it into Ghana cedis. He failed to deliver the money and absconded.
Following investigations by law enforcement, Lawal was arrested in Accra on June 27, 2025, in connection with a similar fraud offence, and prosecuted on charges of defrauding by false pretenses.
He was transferred to the Ashanti Regional Police Command for investigations.
He was arraigned before the court, presided over by Mr. Fred Obikyere, where he initially pleaded not guilty but was remanded. On September 3, 2025, he changed his plea to guilty.
The prosecution told the court that Lawal was a repeat offender, having previously served 24 months for stealing.
This was confirmed in a statement by DSP Godwin Ahianyo, head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command.
The ruling serves as a deterrent to others involved in fraudulent currency dealings, which have become increasingly common in Ghana’s financial landscape.
Fraud cases, particularly those involving foreign exchange scams, have been on the rise in Ghana. Security experts warn the public to remain cautious when engaging in currency transactions outside regulated financial institutions, as scammers often exploit people seeking better exchange rates.
The sentencing highlights the government’s stance on clamping down on financial crimes, with the judiciary reaffirming its commitment to protecting citizens and the integrity of the country’s economy.
