Accra: A judge has issued a warning to the public regarding the payment of money when courts extend bail to accused persons. Mrs. Sarah Nyarkoa Nkansa, a judge at the Adentan Circuit Court, emphasized that bail extensions are free of charge and advised the public not to pay any money.

According to Ghana News Agency, the judge clarified that payment is only required when an accused person jumps bail, in which case their surety or sureties would be responsible for the bail sum. She urged the public to report anyone who demands money for bail extensions.

The caution was delivered during a court session involving a 45-year-old businessman, Paul Konney, who appeared on charges of defrauding by false pretenses. Konney was accused of collecting GHC80,000 from Eric Kristic under the guise of purchasing assorted soft drinks for resale, with the promise of sharing the profits.

Konney denied the charge, and the trial judge granted him bail in the sum of GHC100,000 with two sureties, mandating him to report to the investigator weekly. The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo, detailed that both parties were businessmen and outlined the alleged fraudulent activities.

In January 2025, Konney proposed a business venture to Kristic, who agreed after inspecting the warehouse. Kristic initially provided GHC25,000, followed by an additional GHC55,000 for the business. However, Konney allegedly ceased communication and failed to distribute any profits.

The prosecution claimed that all goods had been sold without any payment to Kristic, leading to a police report and Konney’s eventual arrest. In a caution statement, Konney admitted using part of the funds for personal purchases, but he could not account for the remaining money.