Pastor Imposter Arrested in Ghana for Romance Scam, Extortion Spanning Years

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a suspect in connection with an elaborate romance and investment scam that has victimised at least seven women since 2021. Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng is accused of posing as a pastor conducting online church services via Instagram, where he targeted vulnerable women with claims that God had revealed them to be his future wives—a common tactic in romance fraud schemes.

The investigation reveals a multi-layered criminal operation. Kwarteng reportedly built trust with victims by visiting their families in person and presenting them with promise rings, lending credibility to his false marriage proposals. Once he had gained their confidence, he allegedly obtained intimate images from some women and later weaponised these photographs for extortion, threatening to publicise them unless money was paid.

In a disturbing twist, police investigations indicate that Kwarteng shared victims' intimate images with his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, who allegedly participated in threatening the victims directly. Both suspects have been charged with conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretences, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images—offences that carry serious penalties under Ghanaian law.

The Investment Scam Layer

Beyond romance fraud and blackmail, Kwarteng allegedly operated a separate investment scheme. He reportedly introduced victims to what he described as a lucrative car tyre business, convincing them to invest thousands of dollars under the pretext of shipping and clearing containers of tyres. After collecting the funds from multiple victims, he became unreachable, leaving investors with nothing but broken promises and depleted bank accounts.

This layered approach—combining emotional manipulation, sexual coercion through blackmail, and financial fraud—demonstrates a calculated and predatory strategy. The fact that the scheme spanned multiple years before arrests suggests either a lack of victim awareness about reporting procedures or potential delays in investigation and prosecution.

Why It Matters for Ghana

This case highlights growing vulnerabilities in Ghana's digital space. Online romance scams have become increasingly sophisticated, and victims often feel shame or embarrassment that prevents them from reporting incidents promptly. The involvement of intimate images adds a cybercrime dimension that many victims may not realise they can report to police.

The case also underscores the risks of online courtship and financial transactions with strangers, particularly when requests for money or personal images emerge early in relationships. Ghanaians conducting business or seeking relationships online should remain cautious of individuals who move quickly toward declarations of love, requests for investment opportunities, or demands for intimate photographs.

At Accra Circuit Court 1, Kwarteng was remanded into police custody to reappear on 6 August 2026, while his wife, Amoasah, was granted bail. The Ghana Police Service has appealed to additional potential victims to come forward with information, as investigations continue and more complainants may emerge.

Authorities are urging Ghanaians to report suspected romance scams or cybercrime to their nearest police station. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for digital literacy and caution when engaging with unknown individuals online, particularly when money or intimate material is involved.