Estate developer granted bail in alleged land fraud targeting retired judge

At the Amasaman Circuit Court on February 23, 2025, 40-year-old businessman Charles Amoateng was released on bail after being accused of defrauding retired High Court Judge Fred Kwesi Awuah of GHȼ300,000 in a questionable real estate deal.

Amoateng, who operates in estate development, allegedly enticed the retired judge into investing in a plot of land. In December 2023, when Justice Awuah was in the market for a property, he was introduced to Amoateng. 

The businessman led the judge to a site in Abor Village near Amasaman and requested a payment of GHȼ400,000. The judge paid an advance of GHȼ300,000, with the remaining GHȼ100,000 promised upon receipt of the land’s title deed.

However, upon visiting the property, the judge discovered that construction had already begun. Amoateng explained that a family dispute over the land was being resolved in court and later offered an alternative parcel—an offer that Justice Awuah declined. Demanding a refund of his advance, the judge received only GHȼ100,000 back.

Presiding over the case, Judge Enid Marful-Sau set Amoateng’s bail at GHȼ200,000, requiring him to secure two sureties who must submit valid national identity cards to the Court's Registry. Amoateng is scheduled to reappear in court on April 2, 2025.

A formal complaint was filed with the Amasaman Divisional CID on November 19, 2024, prompting the arrest of Amoateng. In his caution statement, he admitted the offense and vowed to return the remaining funds, a promise that has yet to be fulfilled.