Omanghana
An Accra Circuit Court has remanded self-described online pastor Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng into police custody over allegations that he used marriage proposals, religious claims and a purported car-tyre business to defraud several women.
Kwarteng, 35, is accused of establishing romantic relationships with multiple women through Instagram before persuading them to give him substantial amounts of money.
His wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, has also been charged over her alleged involvement in aspects of the operation. She was granted bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties and ordered to report to the police investigator every Monday and Friday.
The case involves seven initial complainants, including businesswomen and an ambassador. Prosecutors have indicated that additional people have since approached investigators with similar allegations.
Suspect Allegedly Presented Himself as Pastor
According to the prosecution’s preliminary account, Kwarteng used an Instagram platform on which he presented himself as a pastor and organized online religious activities.
He allegedly used the platform to initiate contact with women and gradually establish close personal relationships with them. Some complainants said he claimed to have received spiritual confirmation that they were destined to marry.
To make the relationships appear genuine, Kwarteng allegedly proposed marriage, presented promise rings to some of the women and visited the families of certain complainants.
These actions reportedly strengthened the women’s confidence in his intentions and made his subsequent financial requests appear connected to plans for their supposed future together.
The allegations remain unproven, and the accused persons are entitled to the presumption of innocence throughout the proceedings.
Money Collected for Purported Tyre Business
Prosecutors told the court that Kwarteng represented himself as the operator of a profitable car-tyre import business.
He allegedly persuaded the complainants to provide money for clearing consignments of tyres, promising that the funds would be repaid after the goods were released and sold.
The amounts cited by the prosecution include US$33,000, US$4,000, GH¢25,000 and GH¢22,000, in addition to other payments made in foreign currencies.
After receiving the money, Kwarteng allegedly failed to clear the promised consignments or refund the complainants. Prosecutors said he subsequently became difficult to contact.
Intimate Images Allegedly Used as Threats
The prosecution further alleged that Kwarteng secretly recorded intimate images and videos involving some of the complainants.
When the women demanded the return of their money, he allegedly used the recordings to threaten or blackmail them. This part of the case has resulted in an additional charge relating to the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Prosecutors also alleged that Kwarteng shared intimate material involving one complainant with his wife. Amoasah has been jointly charged with conspiracy to commit defrauding by false pretenses, but the exact extent of her alleged involvement will be determined through the court process.
The intimate-image charge against Kwarteng is expected to be prosecuted before the High Court.
Couple Arrested at Alleged Hideout
According to the prosecution, the couple failed to honor police invitations and allegedly went into hiding after the complainants began pursuing the matter.
Police arrested them at an alleged hideout on July 20, 2026, following an intelligence-led operation. Kwarteng reportedly attempted to escape during the operation but was recaptured.
He has since been kept in police custody while investigations continue.
Charges and Court Orders
Kwarteng faces six counts of conspiracy to commit a crime—specifically, defrauding by false pretenses as well as substantive counts of defrauding by false pretenses.
He also faces a separate charge involving the alleged non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Amoasah has been jointly charged with six counts of conspiracy to commit defrauding by false pretenses. The court granted her bail subject to the reporting conditions imposed.
The case was adjourned until August 6, 2026, when the pleas of the accused persons are expected to be taken.
Investigators say their work is continuing as more people come forward with claims involving Kwarteng. He is also reportedly wanted by the Economic and Organized Crime Office in connection with separate investigations.
The identities of the complainants have not been disclosed, particularly because the case involves intimate material. Members of the public have been urged to avoid sharing any images or videos connected to the allegations, as further circulation could intensify the harm suffered by the women and potentially violate Ghana’s laws on intimate-image abuse.
Source: Omanghana
