A Tarkwa District Court has sentenced a 50-year-old unemployed woman to two years’ imprisonment with hard labour for defrauding seven people under the guise of renting out a room.
The convict, Benedicta Kwakye, also known as Esi Mary, pleaded guilty to seven counts of defrauding by false pretence. The court, presided over by Isaac Osei Asare, handed her two years on each count, to run concurrently.
How the Fraud Unfolded
Prosecuting, Police Sergeant Adwoa Yeboah told the court that one of the victims, Rebecca Kwofie, a trader residing at Cyanide, a suburb of Tarkwa, began searching for a room to rent in April 2025.
On April 18, Benedicta approached her, claiming she had a room available for rent at GH¢70 per month. After showing her a room in her house, Benedicta demanded an advance of GH¢2,500 for a three-year tenancy. Rebecca, satisfied with the arrangement, paid the money.
Benedicta then promised to hand over the keys within three weeks but failed to do so. After repeated visits, Rebecca met the actual landlord, who revealed that the room was already occupied by a tenant who had travelled.
When confronted, Benedicta ignored repeated calls to refund the money.
Arrest and Further Discoveries
On July 8, 2025, Rebecca learned that Benedicta had been arrested and was in custody at the Tarkwa Central Police Station for a similar offence. She immediately went to the station, identified her as the fraudster, and lodged a formal complaint.
Police investigations later revealed that Benedicta had used the same strategy to defraud six other unsuspecting victims. She admitted to collecting the monies and claimed she had invested them in trading, but alleged the funds were stolen in Accra when she went to purchase goods.
The Sentence
After considering her plea and the weight of evidence, the court convicted Benedicta and sentenced her to two years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
Credit: GNA
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