Steel Bender Acquitted in Immigration Fraud Case, Leaving Complainant in Tears

Wilberforce Francis Mensah, a steel bender, was acquitted on Thursday by an Adentan Circuit Court after being charged with defrauding by false pretences. The charges stemmed from claims that Mensah had taken GH¢12,000 from Francisca Dosu and GH¢11,350 from Sandra Tetteh, promising to recruit them into the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).

Despite the accusations, the court, presided over by Sedinam Awo Kwadam, ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges against Mensah beyond a reasonable doubt. Mensah’s acquittal brought an emotional reaction from Dosu, who was unable to reclaim the money she had given to Mensah during their relationship.

Romantic Entanglements and Financial Losses

The court acknowledged that Mensah had engaged in amorous relationships with both complainants. However, it determined that his promise to recruit them into GIS could not serve as the basis for a conviction. The court noted that "men give money and women also give money" in relationships, concluding that Mensah’s actions were unethical but not criminal.

Mensah, who had spent over a year in custody, promised to repay the complainants despite his acquittal.

Prosecution's Case Falters

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo, alleged that Mensah had defrauded the women by claiming he could secure them positions in GIS. Dosu and Mensah met in March 2023 and began dating, during which Mensah convinced her to pay GH¢12,000 for a supposed recruitment opportunity. After taking the money, Mensah cut off contact.

In a similar scheme, Mensah defrauded Tetteh after meeting her at a restaurant in April 2023 and beginning a relationship. She provided him with GH¢11,350 for another purported recruitment, after which Mensah again disappeared.

Despite the allegations, the court concluded that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence, such as documents or messages, to support the claims.

Mensah’s Promises to Repay

Though acquitted, Mensah expressed remorse for his actions and stated his intention to work and repay the complainants. For now, Dosu and Tetteh remain out of pocket, with the court's decision highlighting the blurred lines between personal relationships and financial deception.