Anthonette Ama Boakye, an Executive Assistant at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, has found herself at the centre of a highly publicised legal battle after being accused of diverting a GH¢221,000 investment into a sports betting account. The case, which has sparked discussions about fraud, trust, and professional ethics, is currently before a Circuit Court in Accra, where Boakye faces a charge of defrauding by false pretences.
According to court filings, the accused allegedly failed to invest funds entrusted to her by a US-based Ghanaian businessman, instead directing a large portion of the money into a Betway account used for sports betting. The funds were reportedly provided through a police officer who had come into contact with Boakye during a previous incident.
Boakye has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court has granted her bail set at GH¢200,000 with three sureties. As part of the bail conditions, two of the sureties must be close relatives, while the third must justify the bail with landed property. The case has been adjourned to January 6, 2026, allowing both prosecution and defence time to prepare for the next stage of proceedings.
Court documents reveal a complex history leading up to the current allegations. In 2023, Boakye was arrested in connection with a separate allegation of defrauding by false pretences and was detained at the Legon Police Station. It was during this detention that she reportedly met Police Officer Vincent Ariston Attipoe. Unbeknownst to the police service at the time, this encounter would later play a major role in the fresh allegations now before the court.
Officer Attipoe, who is described in the documents as a close friend of the complainant, US-based businessman Alfred Adu, was allegedly introduced by Boakye to what she described as a high-yield investment opportunity. She claimed to have access to a flight-ticket procurement venture linked to USAID, an institution where she indicated she had previously worked. The purported venture, according to the prosecution, promised lucrative returns and required upfront capital to secure discounted flight tickets for resale.
Intrigued by the supposed opportunity, Officer Attipoe relayed the information to his friend Adu in the United States. A three-way call involving Adu, Boakye, and the officer reportedly took place, during which the accused repeated her claims and provided assurances of guaranteed returns. Convinced of the proposal’s authenticity, Adu agreed to invest in what he believed was a legitimate ticket-procurement business.
Between April and July 2024, Adu allegedly transferred two sets of funds to support the venture. The first amounted to GH¢74,837, which he sent through Officer Attipoe to be forwarded to Boakye. The second transfer totalled GH¢146,913 and was sent directly to Boakye’s mobile money and bank accounts. In all, Adu’s investment reached GH¢221,750.
However, court documents state that the investment yielded no returns. As weeks turned into months, Adu reportedly became concerned about the silence surrounding the project. When he reached out for updates, Boakye allegedly failed to provide concrete explanations for the delay in the promised returns. Adu eventually demanded that the money be refunded.
The documents indicate that Boakye was only able to pay back GH¢20,000, leaving a substantial shortfall. Adu, dissatisfied with the explanation and frustrated by the lack of progress, subsequently lodged a formal complaint, leading to the current prosecution.
During investigations, police reportedly reviewed Boakye’s mobile money records and discovered that significant portions of the funds transferred for the investment had been moved into a Betway account. According to the prosecution, these funds were allegedly used for sports betting rather than the ticket-procurement venture she had described.
The alleged misuse of funds has raised significant concerns, especially given the accused’s position at AfCFTA, an institution responsible for driving one of Africa’s most ambitious economic integration agendas. While the Secretariat has not issued an official statement on the matter, the case has drawn public attention due to the high-profile nature of Boakye’s role.
The matter also raises broader questions about the growing intersection between digital financial services and fraud. Mobile money and online betting platforms, while offering convenience, have increasingly become channels exploited in fraudulent schemes. The prosecution’s revelation that the complainant’s funds were allegedly used for betting activities has amplified public discussions on financial accountability and the need for stricter monitoring mechanisms.
For Adu, the US-based businessman, the alleged fraud represents not just a loss of money but a breach of trust. According to the court documents, his decision to invest was influenced by the involvement of a police officer he trusted, as well as Boakye’s portrayal of herself as a professional connected to reputable institutions. The case highlights the complexities that arise when personal relationships intersect with financial dealings, creating avenues for exploitation.
Legal analysts following the proceedings note that the prosecution will need to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the accused intentionally misled the complainant for personal gain. The defence, on the other hand, is expected to challenge the evidence presented, particularly the interpretation of mobile money transactions and the nature of the alleged investment agreement.
As the case returns to court in January 2026, all eyes will be on how the proceedings unfold. The outcome will not only determine Boakye’s fate but may also influence future conversations on fraud prevention, public trust in institutions, and the importance of due diligence in personal investments.
For now, Boakye remains on bail, maintaining her plea of innocence. The prosecution continues to build its case, while the complainant awaits justice and the possible recovery of his funds. Africa Live News will continue to monitor the developments closely and provide updates as new details emerge.
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