An Executive Assistant at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Anthonette Ama Boakye, has been arraigned before Circuit Court 3 in Accra on charges of defrauding by false pretences.

According to prosecutors, Boakye is accused of diverting more than GHS221,000 entrusted to her for a ticket-procurement investment into a sports betting account.

Court documents indicate that the complainant gave Boakye the funds with the understanding that she would procure tickets as part of an agreed investment arrangement that would yield returns.

Instead, prosecutors allege, the accused person channelled the money into a betting account, contrary to the agreed purpose.

Investigators say the complainant later demanded accountability when the expected returns were not forthcoming, leading to the discovery that the funds had been diverted.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police, resulting in Boakye’s arrest and arraignment.

Boakye appeared before the court on the charge of defrauding by false pretences, a serious offence under Ghanaian law. Prosecutors told the court that investigations are still ongoing and that the alleged diversion of funds was deliberate and calculated to deceive the complainant.

The accused is expected to reappear as the case proceeds.