Banker in court for allegedly stealing from church accounts
Opoku-Acheampong, a relationship officer at a local bank (name withheld), is accused of unauthorised transfers totalling GH¢177,000 and $134,800 from the church’s cedi and dollar accounts respectively.
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A banker, Kwabena Opoku-Acheampong, has been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly diverting funds belonging to the Coptic Orthodox Church into personal and third-party accounts.
Opoku-Acheampong, a relationship officer at a local bank (name withheld), is accused of unauthorised transfers totalling GH¢177,000 and $134,800 from the church’s cedi and dollar accounts respectively.
He faces charges of conspiracy to steal, stealing, forgery of documents, and altering forged documents, to which he pleaded not guilty.
His alleged accomplice, Prince Okyere Amoako, who also holds accounts with the same bank, was absent from court. Prosecutors have requested a bench warrant for his arrest.
The court, presided over by a Circuit Judge, granted Opoku-Acheampong GH¢900,000 bail with two sureties — one to be justified, and another required to be a government employee earning at least GH¢2,000 per month.
He has also been ordered to report to the case investigator every Thursday until the case is concluded.
The court further directed the prosecution to file witness statements before the Case Management Conference, scheduled for November 2, 2025.
Although the prosecution did not oppose the bail, it requested stringent conditions to ensure the accused’s presence in court.
According to the prosecution, an auditor from the bank lodged the complaint after detecting unauthorised transactions in the church’s accounts between August and October 2024.
Investigations revealed that Opoku-Acheampong forged transfer documents to move funds from the church’s accounts into Amoako’s business accounts. The two allegedly withdrew and used the money for personal gain.
The accused, who had legitimate access to the church’s accounts as part of his role, has since refunded GH¢177,000 and $48,000, leaving a significant amount still unaccounted for.
The court has adjourned the case to November 2, 2025, for further proceedings as investigators pursue Amoako’s arrest and the recovery of the remaining funds.
