Fake football agent nabbed after vanishing with GH¢395K from player
The accused, Ernest Agyeman Prempeh, who allegedly posed as a football agent, is facing charges of defrauding by false pretenses.
A 51-year-old man accused of duping a young footballer out of nearly GH¢400,000 under the guise of securing him a contract with a French football team has been dragged before an Accra Circuit Court.
The accused, Ernest Agyeman Prempeh, who allegedly posed as a football agent, is facing charges of defrauding by false pretenses. He pleaded not guilty when he appeared before the court, presided over by Relieving Judge Lawerncia Awurabena Darkowaa, and has since been remanded into police custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 23, 2025.
According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Teye Okuffo, the victim, Richard Adomako—a footballer based in Koforidua—was lured by Prempeh’s promise to connect him with football opportunities in France. Prempeh reportedly claimed he had strong ties within the Ghana Football Association and demanded GH¢395,250, along with the player’s passport, to “facilitate the move.”
After collecting the cash and passport in 2023, Prempeh allegedly went silent. Repeated efforts by the footballer to get updates—or his money back—were fruitless, prompting a police report.
Investigators discovered that Prempeh was neither a licensed football agent nor affiliated with the GFA, contrary to his claims. Instead, he had allegedly spent the money for personal use. He was arrested and later confessed, pleading for time to make restitution, which he failed to do.
Released on police enquiry bail, Prempeh reportedly absconded and ignored multiple calls from prosecutors. His surety admitted losing contact with him after the bail was executed. When the case was called on May 7, 2025, Prempeh was nowhere to be found, prompting the court to issue a bench warrant.
Acting on intelligence, authorities finally tracked him down at a hideout in Osu on June 12, 2025, leading to his arrest.
The case, which has captured public attention, underscores the growing number of scams targeting aspiring athletes and highlights the need for tighter regulation and awareness within Ghana’s sports recruitment sector.
