Accra: An Accra Circuit Court has once again remanded Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, an online pastor, into police custody over alleged romance scams involving seven complainants.
According to Ghana News Agency, Kwarteng, 35, and his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, a chartered accountant, face six counts of conspiracy to commit crime, specifically defrauding by false pretences. Inspector Frank Morgan Dorvi, leading the prosecution, opposed bail for Kwarteng, arguing he was a flight risk and that investigations were ongoing.
Kwarteng is also charged with additional offences, including defrauding by false pretences, resisting arrest, and making, producing, and possessing obscene material. Sally faces an additional charge of making, producing, and possessing obscene material. Both have denied the charges. Sally was granted bail for GHS100,000 with two sureties, and must report to the case investigator on Mondays and Fridays.
Inspector Dorvi highlighted Kwarteng's potential to flee due to possessing an international passport, which could enable him to leave the jurisdiction if granted bail. He assured the court of the Police's readiness for an expeditious trial. The prosecution revealed that one complainant was bearing significant hotel and accommodation costs.
Defence counsel Mr Yaw Danquah refuted the prosecution's claims, insisting Kwarteng was not a flight risk as his Ghanaian passport was held by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). He contested the lack of evidence supporting the allegations against Kwarteng, arguing that the prosecution's submissions were an attack on his client's character. Mr Danquah also questioned the merit of prosecuting Sally, suggesting her involvement was limited to receiving a nude picture from her husband.
The court was informed that the seven complainants included an ambassador and businesswomen. The prosecution detailed that Kwarteng operated an Instagram page with 21,000 followers, portraying himself as a pastor. Sally contributed to his online services by sharing scripture verses and reading the Bible.
The prosecution detailed a series of events beginning in October 2024, where Kwarteng contacted a complainant via Instagram, proposing friendship and later claiming divine revelation that she was his destined wife. He allegedly visited her family in Nigeria and claimed involvement in a car tyre business, soliciting $33,000 to clear a container incurring demurrage. Upon failing to repay, he allegedly threatened to share her nude videos.
Kwarteng reportedly employed similar tactics with other complainants, proposing marriage, visiting families, and extracting money under false pretences. Allegations include capturing intimate images and videos without the complainants' knowledge, which were used for blackmail. The couple allegedly went into hiding, altering their social media presence, and using funds to celebrate their marriage.
The court also heard that Kwarteng avoided police invitations for investigation assistance. Intelligence led to their arrest on July 20, 2026, after a marriage celebration in Kumasi. Investigations revealed a company registered by Sally, possibly used to project a legitimate business front. Additional recordings were discovered, allegedly used for threats or blackmail, while Kwarteng is implicated in other similar cases.
The ongoing investigation has prompted more individuals to contact the Police, claiming victimization by Kwarteng's alleged activities, with additional women petitioning the Inspector-General of Police.