What began as a mistaken bank transfer has turned into a criminal trial involving charges of theft and money laundering.
Constance Gyasi Nimako, a trader has been remanded into custody by an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly stealing and laundering GH¢770,500 that was mistakenly credited to her Ecobank account.
Also known as Maa Adwoa, Constance is accused of moving GH¢300,000 into her mother’s Fidelity Bank account and GH¢400,000 into her own GCB Bank account. She is also reported to have withdrawn GH¢70,500 in cash.
She has been charged with stealing and money laundering. Her mother, Cecilia Gyasi, is facing a charge of abetment of crime to wit money laundering. Both pleaded not guilty.
Presiding Judge, Susan Eduful initially refused Constance bail and cited the seriousness of the charges and concerns that she may not appear in court. Cecilia Gyasi was granted bail of GH¢500,000 with two sureties who must be immediate family members earning at least GH¢2,000 per month.
At the latest hearing, Constance was not in court but remains in custody. Her mother appeared before the relieving judge, Evelyn Asamoah. Constance’s lawyer informed the court that she had refunded GH¢230,000 of the total amount in question.
Despite the partial refund, the judge again declined bail. She stressed the need for an expeditious trial and instructed the prosecution to file all necessary disclosures. The case has been adjourned to July 7, 2025.
According to the prosecution, the complainant is the Chief Executive Officer of a company that operates an account with Consolidated Bank Ghana and a personal account with Ecobank Ghana.
On February 4, 2025, the complainant asked the Manet Branch of CBG to transfer GH¢800,000 from the company’s account to his personal account at Ecobank. However, he mistakenly provided the account number of Constance Gyasi Nimako instead of his own.
The funds were transferred on February 6. When the complainant followed up on the delay, CBG investigated and discovered the error. They reached out to Ecobank to recover the money, but by February 11, only GH¢29,778.47 remained, Constance had allegedly moved or spent the rest.
Both banks attempted to retrieve the funds but were unsuccessful. The complainant then filed a police report with the help of CBG’s Head of Security and Investigations.
The prosecution said Constance refused to cooperate when contacted. She allegedly insulted officers and went into hiding. She was arrested in Kumasi. Her mother was picked up in Accra.
Investigators found that Constance had told her mother about the funds and asked her to withdraw the GH¢300,000 sent to her account, which she did.
During questioning, Constance claimed the money had been sent by a foreign company she had never worked with. She also stated that she had used the money to order goods which had not yet been delivered.
The prosecution told the court that investigations are still ongoing to trace and recover the remaining funds.