Online Pastor Romance Scam: High Court to Handle Consolidated Cases Against Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng

The Attorney-General's Department has moved to consolidate two separate fraud cases against Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, a 35-year-old entrepreneur accused of running an elaborate romance scam targeting women across West Africa, and transfer them to the High Court for trial. The decision marks a significant escalation in one of Ghana's most high-profile cybercrime cases, signalling the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations.

Kwarteng and his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, a Chartered Accountant, face a combined six counts of conspiracy to commit crime and defrauding by false pretences. Sally faces additional charges related to obscene material, while Kwarteng is charged with fraud, resisting arrest, and similar offences involving intimate recordings. Both have denied the charges, though Sally was admitted to bail of GH¢100,000 with two sureties.

How the Scam Operated

According to prosecution facts, Kwarteng ran an Instagram account with approximately 21,000 followers where he presented himself as a pastor conducting online religious services. Sally reportedly participated by sharing Scripture verses and reading from the Bible, creating an appearance of legitimacy that masked the fraudulent scheme beneath.

The modus operandi followed a consistent pattern across at least seven identified victims, including an ambassador and several businesswomen. Kwarteng would initiate contact with female followers, propose friendship, and eventually claim that God had revealed the victim was his destined wife. He would then visit family members in Nigeria or elsewhere to build trust before pivoting to financial requests.

The pretext centred on a purported car-tyre import business. Kwarteng claimed containers of tyres were incurring demurrage charges and needed urgent payment to clear customs. The first complainant reportedly transferred $33,000 after being assured the funds would be refunded. Subsequent victims lost varying amounts: GH¢25,000, $4,000, GH¢22,000, and other foreign currencies.

When victims pressed for repayment, Kwarteng allegedly employed blackmail. Prosecution evidence indicates he secretly recorded intimate photographs and videos of the women and threatened to publish them publicly. Some recordings were shared with Sally, implicating her in the harassment campaign.

Why This Matters for Ghana

This case reflects a growing threat to Ghanaians and West Africans: the weaponisation of social media platforms and religious imagery for financial exploitation. Romance scams targeting women have become increasingly sophisticated, exploiting emotional vulnerability and faith-based trust. The scale of the alleged operation—spanning multiple victims from 2021 onwards and involving sums totalling tens of thousands of dollars—demonstrates how organised and lucrative such schemes have become.

The involvement of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) indicates authorities view this as part of a broader criminal enterprise rather than isolated fraud. Kwarteng's attempted escape when arrested, combined with evidence that he and Sally went into hiding after becoming wanted, suggest consciousness of guilt. The fact that similar cases are being investigated by EOCO and Nima Police, with additional victims continuing to come forward, hints at a much larger criminal network.

The consolidation and transfer to the High Court signal that Ghana's justice system is taking online fraud seriously. However, the case also underscores the need for greater digital literacy, particularly regarding how scammers exploit social media and religious platforms.

Case Status and Investigation

Kwarteng and Sally allegedly used proceeds from the fraud to finance their wedding ceremony in Kumasi on 18 July 2026. They were arrested two days later following intelligence operations. Kwarteng attempted to flee during arrest but was recaptured.

Investigations revealed Sally registered a sole proprietorship company apparently used to create a facade of legitimate business operations. The prosecution says inquiries remain ongoing, with further evidence being gathered. The consolidated case is scheduled to return to court on 8 September 2026.