A farmer, who took part payment of GH�170.00 from Mr Yaw Ofosu, a driver, under the pretext of leasing him a parcel of land for farming, has been remanded by the Akim Swedru Court in
the Eastern Region.
Yaw Ayim, alias Bronya (Christmas), who pleaded not guilty to defrauding by false pretence, was also charged with resisting arrest and assaulting a public officer. He would reappear on May 28, 2010.
Prosecuting, Police Inspector Wilberforce Kwaku Appiah told the court presided over by Mr Kofi Akrowiah that both the complainant and the accused live at Akim Gyadam in the Birim Central Municipality.
He said on January 16, this year, Ayim approached Mr Ofosu and one Mr Yaw Yeboah to inform them that he had a farmland to lease.
Inspector Appiah said when Mr Ofosu expressed interest in the land, the accused in the company of some opinion leaders led Mr Ofosu to inspect the parcel of land, which Ayim claimed ownership and therefore, collected GH�170.00 as part payment for the lease of the land.
He said the complainant went to prepare the land for cultivation, but was driven away by some elderly persons from Akim Gyadam, who also claimed ownership.
Mr Ofosu quickly approached Ayim to inform him of the development and asked for a refund.
Ayim said he was not ready to pay back the money since he did not force Mr Ofosu to give him the part payment.
The prosecutor said on April 22, this year the matter was reported to the police and that on May 6, he was arrested after a fierce resistance from him and assault on Detective Lance Corporal Torpey.
He said in the process, a Dorado brand mobile phone valued at GHc200 was damaged.