Kumasi: The Asokwa Circuit Court Two has imposed a fine of GHS12,000 on Jeanice Mensah, a 53-year-old trader, for selling counterfeit Amuzu Bitters and forging trademarks. In the event of non-payment, she faces two months of imprisonment with hard labor.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mensah admitted guilt to the charges related to dealing in counterfeit regulated products and forging trademarks. Presided over by Madam Vida Achiaa Yeboah, the court handed down the sentence based on Mensah's plea. She was fined 1,000 penalty units for each charge, with the sentences to run concurrently if she defaults on payment.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stephen Ofori presented the case, explaining that the complainant, Mr. Prince Nkansah, Operations Manager of Amuzu Bitters Company, initiated the case. Mensah, a trader from Asawasi, Kumasi, was found selling counterfeit versions of the product after the company conducted investigations following a tip-off.
On February 4, 2026, Nkansah and a colleague visited Mensah's shop in Ashtown and discovered boxes of the suspected counterfeit product. The Manhyia Police Station was notified, leading to Mensah's arrest. Police seized 45 cartons, each containing 12 counterfeit bottles with forged Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) tax stamps and trademark labels.
Subsequent investigations involved sending samples of both genuine and suspected counterfeit products to the GRA and the Food and Drugs Authority. Reports confirmed the counterfeit nature of the tax stamps and trademark labels. Mensah, in her caution statement, acknowledged ownership of the products and stated that they were supplied by an unidentified man. However, she was unable to provide sufficient details for his capture.
The culmination of evidence resulted in Mensah being charged and arraigned.