Accra: A 40-year-old businessman has been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court following accusations of impersonating President Mahama's Executive Secretary to defraud a traditional ruler. Nurudeen Abdul Ganew is accused of collecting GHS 50,000 from Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, the Paramount Chief of Abeadze Traditional Area and Vice President of National House of Chiefs, under the pretense of securing an auctioned Toyota Land Cruiser.
According to Ghana News Agency, the ex-convict Ganew, whose plea was not taken, faces charges of impersonation, defrauding by false pretenses, and money laundering. He is scheduled to reappear in court on July 7, 2025. The Prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Jacob Kuubal, requested that the court withhold the accused's plea as investigations continue.
The court was informed that the complainant, Daasebre Ewusi, is a friend of Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to the President. Ganew, who resides in Wa and Wenchi, allegedly contacted the chief on April 24, 2025, claiming to be Dr. Mahama. He convinced the chief by explaining the use of a different phone number was to avoid disturbances on his usual line.
Ganew allegedly informed the chief about auctioned vehicles, including a Toyota Land Cruiser 4—4, priced at GHS165,000. The chief offered GHS50,000, which Ganew accepted, directing the chief to Alhaji Haruna for payment. The chief transferred GHS50,000 from his Zenith Bank account to the MTN numbers provided.
'Alhaji Haruna' confirmed receipt and requested the chief's Ghana card and address for documentation. Ganew later presented additional vehicle offers to the chief, who shared them with colleagues Osagyefo Amanfo Edu and Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI. These colleagues expressed interest and sent payments to Ganew.
After receiving the payments, Ganew reportedly became unreachable, prompting the chief to contact Dr. Mahama directly. Upon learning he had been deceived, the chief reported the incident to the National Intelligence Bureau Headquarters in Accra. Investigations revealed Ganew was using the MTN numbers to impersonate Dr. Mahama and Alhaji Haruna.
Ganew was tracked and arrested at his home in Wa, where four phones were seized. Upon interrogation, he admitted to the offense, and investigations are ongoing.
