Accra, Ghana – Samuel Owusu Amoako stands accused in an Accra Circuit Court of defrauding a businessman of GH¢242,500 under the pretense of supplying a large quantity of cooking oil. The case, which has garnered significant attention, underscores the risks associated with commercial transactions and the critical need for due diligence. Amoako’s trial promises to reveal the intricacies of the alleged scheme and the evidence against him. The core of the accusation revolves around a deal gone sour, where promises of cooking oil turned into allegations of deceit. The court documents paint a picture of a transaction that quickly unraveled, leading to a formal complaint and a subsequent arrest.

Amoako faces a charge of defrauding by false pretences, a serious allegation under Ghanaian law. He entered a plea of not guilty, paving the way for a trial where the prosecution must demonstrate his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The court granted Amoako bail of GH₵150,000, with three sureties required, a decision that reflects the court’s initial assessment of the case’s strength and Amoako’s potential flight risk. This cooking oil fraud case is now a focal point for observers keen on seeing justice served.

Cornelius Kusi Amoako, the complainant, alleges that he paid GH¢242,500 to Samuel Owusu Amoako for 500 gallons of cooking oil, priced at GH₵485 per gallon. The agreement stipulated that the oil would be delivered to Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Bono Region. However, according to the allegations, after receiving the payment, Amoako failed to deliver the promised cooking oil and subsequently disappeared, prompting Amoako to report the matter to the authorities. The absence of the cooking oil triggered a series of events that led to a formal police investigation.

According to court documents, Samuel Owusu Amoako directed Cornelius Kusi Amoako to collect the consignment of cooking oil from an individual named Ali in Dormaa-Ahenkro. However, upon arrival, the oil was nowhere to be found. Frustrated and suspecting foul play, Cornelius Kusi Amoako reported the incident to the Baatsona Police on March 27, 2025, leading to a formal investigation. The police investigation eventually led to the arrest of Samuel Owusu Amoako in Sampa, Bono East Region, on April 20, 2025. Interestingly, he was apprehended for a similar offence, suggesting a pattern of alleged fraudulent behaviour. This adds another layer of complexity to the cooking oil fraud case.

During the initial stages of the investigation, Amoako reportedly returned GH₵50,000 to the complainant, a move that could be interpreted in various ways. Whether it was an attempt to mitigate the situation or an acknowledgement of some form of wrongdoing remains to be seen. The case has been adjourned to June 2, 2025, to allow for further investigation and preparation for trial. According to the prosecution, during interrogation, Amoako admitted to the offence in his caution statement in the presence of an independent witness. This admission, if proven admissible in court, could significantly impact the outcome of the trial.

The cooking oil fraud trial involving Samuel Owusu Amoako is an unfolding legal drama with potentially far-reaching consequences. The Accra Circuit Court will be tasked with carefully weighing the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense to arrive at a just verdict. The next hearing, scheduled for June 2, 2025, is poised to be a pivotal moment in determining the trajectory of this case. This case serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in substantial commercial transactions and the paramount importance of conducting thorough due diligence to verify the legitimacy of suppliers. The outcome of the case will undoubtedly have implications for the broader business community, emphasizing the need for vigilance and adherence to ethical business practices.