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US Department of Justice provides update on Abu Trica's extradition and romance scam investigation
via GhanaWeb2 min read
The United States Department of Justice DoJ has issued an update on the case of Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, who faces extradition proceedings for allegedly scamming Americans. In a statement released on June 4, 2026, the DoJ identified Abu Trica's case as one of several "consumer fraud" investigations. The investigation involves at least five Ghanaian individuals accused of defrauding over 130 victims across the United States through romance scams, resulting in losses exceeding $15 million. The DoJ reported that three suspects residing in the US, Jamal Abubakari, Kamal Abubakari, and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, were detained this week. Abu Trica and Daniel Yussif, who are in Ghana, are awaiting extradition. The suspects allegedly targeted older Americans on dating websites and social media platforms, using advanced techniques, including AI-driven video platforms, to create fictitious female personas. Victims were reportedly misled into sending money via wire transfers to accounts controlled by the conspirators, with funds then transferred to co-conspirators in Ghana and elsewhere. The DoJ has recovered assets valued at over $3 million, including a Lamborghini, Tesla Cybertruck, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. The FBI commended Ghanaian law enforcement agencies, including the Attorney-General鈥檚 Office, Economic and Organised Crime Office EOCO, Ghana Police Service GPS, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, Ghana Narcotics Control Commission NACOC, Ghana Financi
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The New Patriotic Party NPP has accused the Mahama administration of attempting to use the conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, as a political "trophy." In a statement dated July 20, 2026, the NPP argued that Wontumi's conviction should not be celebrated as proof of the government's commitment to fighting illegal mining, claiming that similar allegations involving individuals linked to the governing National Democratic Congress NDC have not received the same attention. The party alleged selective application of justice, questioning why investigations into illegal mining activities involving some NDC officials have not progressed with similar urgency. The NPP stated that the prosecution failed to provide evidence that Wontumi unlawfully assigned or transferred his mineral concession, asserting that the conviction was based on assumptions rather than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Describing the judgment as a "travesty of justice," the NPP announced that its legal team had begun the process of appealing the High Court鈥檚 decision and reaffirmed its support for Chairman Wontumi, maintaining he was wrongfully convicted and calling him a "political prisoner."
The government has unveiled the Teacher Dabre Initiative, a plan to construct 50,000 housing units nationwide to alleviate accommodation challenges for teachers, particularly those in rural areas. Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, announced this on July 20, 2026, during the Government Accountability Series. The program will be implemented through a decentralized approach, with the District Assemblies Common Fund leading efforts at regional and district levels. The Ministry of Education will secure additional funding, and the government is considering using pension fund resources under the Ghana Secondary School Pension GSOP as collateral. In addition to housing, the government is finalizing a financial incentive, a 20% allowance, for teachers who accept postings to rural and hard-to-reach areas. These initiatives aim to enhance teachers' working and living conditions and address the challenge of attracting and retaining qualified educators in rural communities, reinforcing the government's commitment to teacher welfare for improved education quality.
Must ReadPrivate legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has characterized the 20-year prison sentence given to Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, as a "victory for Ghana." Speaking on Asempa FM, Kpebu clarified that the conviction was based on evidence, not solely a confession. He explained that assigning mineral rights or giving out land without proper written approval constitutes an offense under Ghana's mining laws. Kpebu emphasized that the court's judgment was supported by evidence presented during cross-examination. He also noted that mining operators must follow established procedures for land reclamation, including working with the Minerals Commission. Kpebu expressed his expectation for more convictions of individuals involved in illegal mining. These comments follow Chairman Wontumi's sentencing to 20 years with hard labor after his conviction in an illegal mining case related to Akonta Mining Company Limited.