Couple arraigned before court over GH¢5.1 million theft

A 26-year-old salesperson and her partner have been arraigned before a High Court in Ho over alleged theft, dishonestly receiving stolen funds, and money laundering.

Nerissah Akordor and Courage Addo pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before the court and have since been remanded into prison custody. They are expected to reappear on April 27, 2026.

The prosecution, led by Assistant State Attorney Anthony Ghattie, told the court, presided over by Justice Rose-Marie A. Asante, that the alleged offences occurred between January and December 2025.

According to the prosecution, Akordor, who worked with Amenuveve Sorgbor Company Limited, is accused of stealing GH¢5.189 million from sales proceeds. She had been promoted in January 2025 to manage a sales point, where her duties included handling cash, mobile money transactions, and accounting for goods sold.

The case was reported to the police on January 10, 2026, by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Madam Theresa Ama Agbovi, following persistent financial losses despite efforts to sustain the business.

Investigations were initiated after the complainant reportedly received information suggesting that Akordor had acquired properties together with Addo, raising suspicion about the source of the funds. Addo is alleged to have received the money, knowing it was proceeds of crime.

The prosecution stated that the accused persons used the funds to acquire assets, including buildings and vehicles. Police investigations led to the retrieval of two vehicles — a Mercedes-Benz C250 and a Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic. Properties linked to Akordor were also identified, including a two-unit chamber and hall self-contained apartment and an uncompleted one-storey building.

The court heard that Addo admitted receiving GH¢90,000 from Akordor to support a building project at his father’s residence. It was further indicated that Akordor’s savings with a credit union increased significantly during the period, alongside large deposits made into Addo’s mobile money account.

An audit conducted by the company allegedly revealed that Akordor developed a method to bypass accounting processes, allowing her to conceal sales transactions. The audit indicated that more than GH¢5 million could not be accounted for.

Counsel for the accused, Emile Atsu Agbakpe, requested that the court direct the release of keys to a family-owned property where Akordor resided before her arrest, noting that other occupants had been affected. The court directed the prosecution to consider the request.

The case has been adjourned to April 27, 2026, for further proceedings.