Mama Sika, a businesswoman, who allegedly defrauded a Canada-based Ghanaian Pastor in the sum of GH�5,500 under the pretext of assisting him to clear his car as a �Clearing Agent,� appeared before an Accra Circuit Court on Wednesday.
Sika pleaded not guilty to defrauding by false pretences and was remanded into Police custody to re-appear on July 28, 2010.
Police Chief Inspector Peter Bene prosecuting said the complainant is a Ghanaian Pastor residing in Canada.
He said sometime in February this year, the accused was introduced to the complainant as a clearing agent at the Tema Harbour, who could assist the complainant, to clear his Chrysler Intrepid vehicle imported from Canada.
Chief Inspector Bene said the complainant together with the accused visited Tema Harbour where Sika examined the vehicle and gave the cost of clearing as GH�5,500.
He said the complainant gave the money to the accused as well as the documents covering the vehicle.
Prosecution said after the accused had received the money and documents, she failed to clear the vehicle from the harbour and went into
hiding. All efforts to trace her proved futile.
Chief Inspector Bene said the complainant later made a report to the Police, who caused a publication in the media leading to her arrest. After investigations, she was charged with the offence.