An Accra Circuit Court has ordered that trader Constance “Maa Adwoa” Gyasi Nimako be held in custody for allegedly misappropriating funds accidentally sent to her by mistake. Her mother, Cecilia Gyasi, faces charges of abetting money laundering but secured bail.
How the Transfer Error Happened
- On February 4, 2025, a business owner asked Consolidated Bank Ghana’s Manet Branch to move GH¢800,000 from his corporate CBG account into his personal Ecobank account for a transaction.
- Due to a mis-entered account number, Ecobank credited Nimako’s account with the full GH¢800,000 on February 6.
- When the depositor noticed the delay, CBG reached out to Ecobank. By February 11, only GH¢29,778.47 remained—Nimako had dispersed the rest.
Alleged Money Movements
Investigators say Nimako:
- Spent GH¢70,500 in cash withdrawals.
- Transferred GH¢300,000 to her mother’s Fidelity Bank account.
- Shifted GH¢400,000 to her own GCB Bank account.
Her mother, Cecilia Gyasi, is accused of withdrawing the GH¢300,000, acting on her daughter’s instructions.
Charges and Court Actions
- Constance Gyasi Nimako: Stealing and money laundering.
- Cecilia Gyasi: Abetment of money laundering.
- Both pleaded not guilty.
Presiding Judge Susan Eduful cited the seriousness of the alleged offenses and flight-risk concerns before remanding Nimako. Cecilia Gyasi was admitted to bail at GH¢500,000, with two family-member sureties earning at least GH¢2,000 per month.
Next Hearing: July 7, 2025
Police Investigation and Aftermath
- CBG’s Head of Security and Investigations helped the complainant file a police report after both banks’ attempts to reclaim the funds failed.
- Police say Nimako initially refused to cooperate, insulted officers, and went into hiding before being arrested in Kumasi; her mother was arrested in Accra.
- Nimako told investigators the money came from an unknown foreign company and that she was using it to pay for goods yet to arrive.
Current Status: Authorities continue tracing and recovering the missing GH¢770,500.
Source: https://www.graphic.com.gh
