Former Black Stars player Samuel Inkoom has been granted bail in the amount of GH¢50,000 with one surety after being charged with defrauding by false pretences.
The 34-year-old appeared before the Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Inkoom is accused of collecting $3,500 from Benjamin Opare Addo, a student, under the pretense of securing a visa to the Netherlands but failing to fulfill his promise. According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, Inkoom, who presented himself as the owner of S. Inkoom Travel and Tour Company, convinced Addo in September 2023 to pay for the visa.
Between September and November 2023, Addo paid a total of GH¢32,100 in instalments. However, the court heard that Inkoom failed to deliver the visa within the agreed timeframe. After repeated attempts by Addo to either recover his money or secure the visa proved unsuccessful, the matter was reported to the police.
Inkoom was arrested on January 11, 2024, and admitted to the offence. He refunded GH¢7,000 but has yet to return the remaining GH¢25,100.
Defending Inkoom, his lawyer argued for bail, highlighting that the accused had already refunded part of the money and was committed to paying the outstanding balance. The defence also underscored Inkoom’s reputation and his likelihood of appearing in court as required.
The case has been adjourned to December 30, 2024.