Brothers impersonate Joshua Alabi to defraud CoS member

A 40-year-old businessman, Nurudeen Abdul Ganew, has been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly impersonating Professor Joshua Alabi, a prominent figure in the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), in an elaborate fraud scheme targeting a sitting member of the Council of State.

Charges and court proceedings

Ganew has been charged with impersonation and defrauding by false pretences, while he and his two brothers, Nurudeen Rashid and Nurudeen Gafaru, also face an additional charge of conspiracy to commit a crime.

All three accused pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of GH¢150,000 each, with three sureties, including one to be justified. The case is being heard by Mrs. Sedinam Awo Kwadam and has been adjourned to July 21, 2025.

The alleged fraud

According to the prosecution, on March 3, 2025, Ganew impersonated Prof. Joshua Alabi and contacted Mr. Hakeem Addae, the Council of State member representing the Central Region and the NDC Constituency Chairman for Twifo-Atti Morkwa.

Ganew further posed as a Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) official, claiming he could assist Mr. Addae in acquiring a Toyota Land Cruiser and ten auctioned trucks. Believing the deception, Mr. Addae reportedly transferred GH¢60,000 to Ganew.

Arrest and evidence seized

A Ghana News Agency (GNA) report revealed that police tracked Ganew to his residence in Wa, in the Upper West Region, where he was arrested. Authorities seized:

• Four identity cards
• Three pen drives
• Four mobile phones
• GH¢14,896 in cash

Brothers’ arrest and search findings

Further investigations led to the arrest of Ganew’s two brothers on July 2, 2025, in Subinso, near Wenchi. A search of their residence uncovered:

• Over 12 mobile phones
• 13 SIM cards (12 MTN, 1 Telecel)
• A digital database containing contact details of political party constituency executives from all 16 regions of Ghana — suspected to be a target list for future scams.

Some SIM cards were verified as having been used to communicate with Mr. Addae and receive mobile money transfers.

Alleged fraud syndicate

Prosecutors claim the three operated a sophisticated fraud syndicate known for impersonating high-profile public figures, especially politicians. Their alleged targets included chiefs, queen mothers, political leaders, and corporate executives.

Ganew is believed to be the mastermind, directly handling communications with victims, while his brothers managed mobile money withdrawals in various towns including Wa, Wenchi, Sunyani, Techiman, Koforidua, and Accra.