Over one hundred traders from Aboadze, Abuesi, Inchaban, Dwomo, and Nyankrom – all in the Shama District of the Western Region – have allegedly been defrauded by a savings company.
The company, as listed on the passbooks of affected customers, is AKGMB Multilevel Business.
However, a police investigation has established that the beneficiary company is actually Business for Home Susu Company, which has allegedly been operating without the necessary permits and licenses required for the business. The word ‘Susu’ means savings in Akan.
It is reported that hundreds of Ghana cedis collected as savings from the affected traders cannot be accounted for by the agents of the savings company.
One victim, Comfort Cudjoe, who spoke on Connect 97.1 FM’s midday news on June 23, Orokodo Kasaebo in Takoradi disclosed that some customers suspected the proprietor, identified as Michael Kojo Assan Genesis, of having squandered their investments after a failed attempt to retrieve their savings.
“He [Michael] asked customers to grant him time to raise the money for payment, claiming the money had been issued as credit to some customers who are yet to pay up…but this did not sit well with some of us, as we suspected he might abscond,” she added.
Fearing they might lose their investments, the customers reported Michael Kojo Assan Genesis to the Shama Police Station, leading to his arrest.
The District Police Commander, Supt. Paul A. Ankan, confirmed the customers’ suspicions. He disclosed that responses offered by Michael to Police queries did not add up.
“He informed his staff that he was only managing the branch in Shama District, not knowing he is actually the proprietor of that business. I questioned him on that, and he said that was his strategy for avoiding pressure from customers,” the Commander narrated.
According to the Police, Michael will be arraigned before court this week.
