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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’s 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 Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service has confirmed the arrest of a man seen in a viral video attacking a nurse at the Tema Community 22 Polyclinic. The incident, which occurred on June 2, 2026, involved a midwife enforcing visiting hours. The Directorate, in a statement signed by Dr Robert Amesiya, Regional Director of Health Service for the Greater Accra Region, condemned the unprovoked assault by a patient’s relative. The statement expressed support for the affected staff member and other health workers, emphasizing the importance of their safety. The Ghana Police Service was commended for its swift response, leading to the suspect's arrest and restoring calm. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, June 8, 2026. The Health Directorate reiterated that violence against health workers will not be tolerated and urged the public to use proper complaint channels, such as the Client Service Desk, for grievances.
Broadcast journalist Paul Adom-Otchere has called for an investigation into Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene and his wife's trip to the United States for childbirth. Speaking on his Good Evening Ghana show on June 4, 2026, Adom-Otchere questioned how the minister and his wife, a nurse, financed the trip, estimating the cost could be between $40,000 and $50,000. He suggested that such actions could negatively impact the minister's political future and the image of the governing National Democratic Congress NDC. Adom-Otchere, a former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airport Company Limited, referenced past comments by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa regarding public officials' use of state resources. He alleged that the minister was using his position and access to money for personal benefit, enabling his wife to give birth in the US for the child to obtain an American passport, while ordinary Ghanaians cannot afford such trips. Adom-Otchere stated that the minister's actions show a lack of political maturity and disregard for protecting the image of President John Dramani Mahama and Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
Must ReadThe New Patriotic Party's Minority Caucus has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress of political betrayal for rewriting the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation they previously supported. In a statement on June 4, 2026, Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin stated that the reintroduced Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, now with 31 amendments, deviates from the NDC's 2024 position. The NPP highlighted that the original Bill was unanimously passed by the 8th Parliament in 2024, with the NDC, then in opposition, actively advocating for its passage and criticizing the Akufo-Addo presidency for not assenting to it. The Minority Caucus views the amendments introduced by the NDC-controlled 9th Parliament as fundamentally altering provisions that NDC MPs had previously voted against amending. The NPP described the NDC's actions as hypocritical, noting that the party had demanded immediate presidential assent to the 2024 Bill only to rewrite it upon assuming office. The NPP believes this demonstrates political insincerity and is calling for the 2024 Bill to be restored to its original form and sent to President John Dramani Mahama for assent.
Must ReadThe NPP Minority Caucus has issued a statement on June 4, 2026, asserting that the original Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, passed by the 8th Parliament in 2024, must be transmitted to President John Dramani Mahama for assent without any modifications. The Minority Caucus, led by Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin, emphasized that this position reflects the aspirations of the majority of Ghanaians. They argue that the NDC secured power in 2024 partly on a platform that included a commitment to this bill, and therefore, the ruling party is obligated to honor the original legislation. The NPP views any deviation from the original bill as a breach of faith and a challenge to the significance of electoral promises in Ghana.