Michael Ayittey Okai, also known as "Ayittey Powers," a boxer, has appeared before a Kaneshie District Court for allegedly defrauding a contractor of GH¢45,000.
Ayittey Powers allegedly collected the amount to get the contractor a visa to Australia and include him in his team for a boxing match in Australia, but failed to keep his promise.
Ayittey Powers, who was charged with fraud by false pretenses, pleaded not guilty.
The case was adjourned to March 18 and the court, presided over by Ms. Ama Adomako Kwakye, ordered the prosecution to provide information.
The court quashed an arrest warrant against Ayittey Powers and released him on bail.
When the court asked the boxer why he did not appear in court on January 18, 2022, he said he did not know the case would be heard on that date.
Chief Inspector Lawrence K. Anane told the court that the police called Boxer's phone number but his phone was switched off and attempts to reach him through his guarantors were unsuccessful.
The boxer's lawyer asked the court to release his client on bail and assured that the accused will settle the case with the complainant in a few months.
The prosecutor, Chief Inspector Anane, said the complainant, John Kobina Blessing, resides in Madina, Accra, while Ayittey Powers resides in Mamprobi.
The prosecution said the accused had promised the complainant last year that he would join a team to participate in a boxing match in Australia if the complainant paid GHC45,000 for the trip.
Chief Inspector Anane said the accused later allegedly led the complainant to Mavis Quarshie, who was to assist in obtaining a visa for the complainant.
The prosecution said Ayittey Powers later collected the money for the visa from Mavis.
Chief Insp Anane said the complainant reported the case to police when he failed to obtain the visa, which led to Quarshie's arrest.
The prosecution said that during interrogation, Quarshie stated that the accused took the money from her as soon as the complainant handed it over to her.
Chief Inspector Anane said the investigation revealed that there was no boxing event in Australia.