Former Ghanaian footballer Samuel Inkoom has found himself in the midst of a legal and financial battle, reportedly selling his properties in an effort to settle a US$8,000 debt.
This amount stems from allegations of defrauding two complainants, a situation that has brought the once-prominent defender back into the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Inkoom, who was well-known for his contributions to Ghana’s U-20 World Cup victory in 2009 and his appearance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, recently appeared before the Kwabenya Circuit Court.
During the proceedings, he requested time until October 31 to resolve the debt, stating that he is in the process of liquidating some of his assets to gather the necessary funds. This request was granted by the presiding judge, Ms. Mavis Bedjrah.
The case revolves around accusations made by complainants Doris Dankwa and her fiancé, Seth Osei Addai, who turned to Inkoom for assistance with their plans to relocate from Dubai to the United States.
According to the prosecution, Inkoom allegedly presented himself as someone who could facilitate their visa applications through a company he claimed to run. For this service, he reportedly requested US$4,000 from each complainant, amounting to a total of US$8,000.
Despite the payment, the promised visas never materialized, and when the complainants realized they had been deceived, they reported the matter to the police.
The ensuing investigation culminated in Inkoom facing charges of defrauding by false pretenses. He now faces the challenge of not only clearing his name but also repaying the funds he allegedly swindled.
As the court proceedings unfold, Inkoom’s financial struggles have come to light. His decision to sell his properties indicates a desperate attempt to make amends and possibly avoid further legal repercussions.
This legal battle marks a difficult chapter in the life of the 35-year-old, who, despite not officially announcing his retirement from professional football, has been inactive since parting ways with Accra-based football club Hearts of Oak.
During his playing career, Inkoom was widely regarded for his attacking prowess as a right-back. His early success with Ghana’s U-20 team, which culminated in winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009, catapulted him into the national and international football scene. He also represented Ghana at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, contributing to the national team’s impressive performance in the tournament.
Over the years, Inkoom played for several notable clubs, both locally and internationally. He had stints with Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko, Swiss club Basel, French side Bastia, Ukrainian team Dnipro, and Major League Soccer’s DC United, among others. His on-field talent and versatility earned him recognition as one of Ghana’s most promising defenders during his prime.
However, since leaving Hearts of Oak, Inkoom has not been actively involved in professional football, leading to speculation about his future in the sport.
While he hasn’t made an official announcement regarding his retirement, his absence from the game has raised questions about whether he plans to return to the field or focus on other endeavors.
Inkoom’s current legal and financial predicament is a stark contrast to his former footballing glory. His situation serves as a reminder of the challenges some athletes face after their playing careers end, particularly when it comes to managing finances and navigating life outside of professional sports.
For now, Inkoom’s priority appears to be resolving the legal case and repaying the complainants. With the deadline of October 31 set by the court, the next few weeks will be crucial for him as he works to finalize the sale of his assets and gather the necessary funds.
His ability to repay the US$8,000 could determine the outcome of the case and potentially pave the way for him to restore his tarnished reputation.
As the story unfolds, many in Ghana and the football community will be watching closely to see how Inkoom handles this challenging chapter in his life. From a celebrated footballer to facing fraud charges, his journey serves as a cautionary tale of the ups and downs that can accompany life after football.
Whether Inkoom will be able to overcome this obstacle and move forward remains to be seen. For now, his focus remains on settling his debt and finding a way to move past this difficult period.
