Businessman before court for allegedly stealing $59,976

Accra, Aug. 19, GNA - A businessman, Anselem Cashile, who allegedly withdrew $59,976 from HFC Bank at Ridge, Accra, on Friday appeared before an Accra Circuit Court charged with stealing.

Cashile, who claims to come from Kumasi, has pleaded not guilty and the court admitted him to GH¢60,000 cedis bail with three sureties, who should be Ghanaians.

The country of origin of Cashile sent the audience in the court laughing. According to him, his mother one Nadia had told him that he was an Asante.

The prosecution had earlier challenged the accused that he was not a Ghanaian.

He is to re-appear before the court presided over by Mrs Patience Tetteh-Mills on September 2.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Margaret Awuni prosecuting told the court that the complainant is Mr Stephen Ofori Dankwah, Operations Manager of HFC Bank while the accused is a customer of the bank.

ASP Awuni said Cashile started operating an account with HFC since 2007 and had been receiving remittances from Bank of China.

On July 13, this year Cashile received 59,976 dollars from the Bank of China and withdrew the said amount. On August 3, this year, the HFC Bank received “a swift message” saying the transfer of the money was an error and asked that it should be returned.

ASP Awuni said the message however was received after the accused had withdrawn the money leaving only 281.55 dollars in the account.

The prosecutor said Cashile came to the bank requesting that the accounts should be closed and new one be opened for him.

ASP Awuni said a report was made to the Police at Adabraka and Cashile was arrested.

During interrogation Cashile said he only used his bank account to receive the amount on behalf of Appiah Uchey and one Innocent, who are yet to be arrested.