Ex-Black Stars player Samuel Inkoom faces court over alleged visa fraud

Samuel Inkoom, a former Black Stars player, has been charged with defrauding by false pretences in an Accra Circuit Court.

The 34-year-old is accused of collecting $3,500 from Benjamin Opare Addo, a student, to secure a visa for travel to the Netherlands but failed to deliver on the promise.

Inkoom pleaded not guilty to the charges before the court, which was presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo.

He was granted bail in the amount of GH¢50,000 with one surety and is set to return to court on December 30, 2024.

In his defence, Inkoom’s lawyer argued for bail, citing that the accused had refunded GH¢7,000 and was making efforts to return the remaining balance of GH¢25,100.

The defence also emphasised Inkoom’s reputation and his likelihood of returning to court.

According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, Inkoom, who claimed to be the owner of S. Inkoom Travel and Tour Company, convinced Addo in September 2023 that he could secure a visa to the Netherlands for a fee of $3,500.

Between September and November 2023, Addo paid a total of GH¢32,100 in instalments.

The court heard that Inkoom failed to deliver the promised visa within the agreed timeframe and, after repeated unsuccessful attempts by Addo to recover his money or obtain the visa, the matter was reported to the police.

Inkoom was arrested on January 11, 2024, and admitted to the offence, refunding GH¢7,000 but failing to return the remaining GH¢25,100.