Pastor Imposter: Ghana Police Bust Elaborate Romance Scam Targeting Women with Fake Marriage Promises

The Ghana Police Service has made a significant arrest in a sprawling romance scam operation that exploited vulnerable women through false marriage proposals, financial fraud, and intimate image blackmail. Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng and Sally Akosua Amoasah appeared before Accra Circuit Court 1 facing multiple serious charges including conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretences, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

How the scam operated

According to police investigations, Kwarteng's modus operandi was calculated and predatory. He created a fake persona as a pastor conducting online church services via Instagram, then approached women claiming that God had specifically revealed they were his destined wives. To make his deception more convincing, he took the audacity to meet victims' families in person and even presented them with promise rings, creating an elaborate false sense of legitimacy and commitment.

Once trust was established, the scheme took a darker turn. Kwarteng allegedly coerced victims into sharing intimate images with him. He then weaponised these private photographs as tools for blackmail, demanding money under threat of exposure. Simultaneously, he introduced victims to what police describe as a fraudulent car tyre importing business. Under the pretext of shipping and clearing containers of tyres from overseas, he solicited thousands of dollars from each victim before cutting off all communication and disappearing with their money.

Police further allege that Kwarteng shared the intimate images of victims with his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, who reportedly used these images to further threaten and intimidate the women. The pair worked in apparent coordination to extract maximum financial and emotional damage from their targets.

The scale of the operation and ongoing investigation

So far, seven victims have come forward to report the scam to police. However, investigators believe this number represents only a fraction of those affected. The offences are understood to span from 2021 onwards, meaning the operation may have victimised people for several years before detection.

The court remanded Kwarteng into police custody pending reappearance on 6 August 2026, whilst Amoasah was granted bail. The Ghana Police Service has publicly appealed for additional victims or anyone with information about the suspects to report to their nearest police station, suggesting they suspect the actual number of victims is significantly higher than the seven who have formally reported.

Why it matters for Ghana

This case highlights the growing danger of romance scams and online exploitation targeting Ghanaians, particularly women seeking genuine relationships. As internet usage and social media penetration expand across Ghana, predators exploit the anonymity and global reach of digital platforms to target people with false promises of love, marriage, and financial opportunity.

The case is particularly concerning because it involved multiple layers of exploitation—emotional manipulation, financial fraud, and sexual coercion through non-consensual image sharing. The involvement of a spouse suggests domestic collusion in crimes, and the international dimension (soliciting dollars and importing goods) indicates the scam crossed borders.

For Ghanaians, especially women using online platforms for dating or social connection, this arrest serves as a stark reminder to verify identities, be cautious of fast-moving relationship escalation, and resist pressure to share intimate images online. The police appeal for victims to come forward also indicates that anyone who has experienced similar treatment should report it, as law enforcement now has active investigations underway and may be able to recover funds or prevent further victimisation.