A court in Accra has granted former Ghana Black Stars player Samuel Inkoom a GH¢100,000 bail with two sureties over allegations of visa fraud.
The court, presided over by Mrs. Susana Eduful, ordered that each of Inkoom’s sureties should earn not less than GH¢5,000 and also deposit his passport picture with the Court’s Registry.
Inkoom is accused of taking US$4,000 from Madam Elizabeth Atarime Mboh Awuni under the pretext of securing a USA traveling visa for her client, which he denies.
According to the prosecution, Inkoom met Awuni in December 2023 while scouting young footballers and claimed to be in the travel and tour business, promising to secure USA and Canadian visas within six weeks for $4,000.
The prosecution alleged that Awuni and another complainant, Madam Abigail Owusu, a public servant, parted with $4,000 and $2,000 respectively, but Inkoom failed to deliver the visas and went into hiding.
During investigations, Inkoom admitted to collecting the money but claimed he gave it to a partner in the USA to facilitate the visa process. However, police found no evidence of this partner and considered Inkoom’s assertions as fabrications.
The court has asked Inkoom to appear before it on January 22, 2025. This development comes as a significant update in the case, which has garnered attention due to Inkoom’s high profile as a former Ghana Black Stars player.
Inkoom’s lawyer had argued for bail, citing his client’s reputation and willingness to cooperate with the investigation. The prosecution, however, had opposed the bail application, arguing that Inkoom posed a flight risk.
The case has raised concerns about the prevalence of visa fraud in Ghana and the need for vigilance among individuals seeking to travel abroad.