Businessman arrested for impersonating President Mahama’s Executive Secretary

A 40-year-old businessman, Nurudeen Abdul Ganew, has been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court after allegedly impersonating the Executive Secretary to former President John Mahama to defraud a high-ranking traditional ruler of GHS50,000 under the guise of securing an auctioned Toyota Land Cruiser.

Ganew, who has a prior criminal record, faces charges of impersonation, defrauding by false pretences, and money laundering. His plea was not taken, as the prosecution requested more time to complete investigations. He is expected to reappear in court on July 7, 2025.

The alleged victim, Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII—Paramount Chief of the Abeadze Traditional Area and Vice President of the National House of Chiefs—was targeted due to his personal relationship with Dr. Callistus Mahama, the genuine Executive Secretary.

On April 24, 2025, Ganew allegedly called the chief, introducing himself as Dr. Mahama using the phone number 0552168220. When questioned about the unfamiliar contact, he explained it was a new number to avoid constant disturbances.

Trusting the familiar-sounding voice, the chief believed he was speaking with Dr. Mahama. Ganew then offered him an opportunity to purchase an auctioned Toyota Land Cruiser at a discounted price of GHS165,000 but agreed to accept GHS50,000 after the chief explained his budget.

Ganew referred the chief to a man named “Alhaji Haruna,” allegedly a Customs official, and instructed that payments be made to two separate MTN Mobile Money numbers. The chief complied, transferring GHS50,000 from his Zenith Bank account. He was then asked to send his Ghana Card and address for documentation.

Emboldened by the success of the first transaction, Ganew told the chief that other vehicles were available for auction. The chief then looped in two fellow traditional leaders—Osagyefo Amanfo Edu and Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI—who were also persuaded to send money for the supposed vehicles: a Toyota Land Cruiser for GHS165,000 and a Prado for GHS133,000.

However, once the funds were received, Ganew went silent—switching off his phone and cutting off all communication.

It was only after reaching out to the real Dr. Mahama through his old contact that the chief discovered he had been scammed. A formal complaint was made to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), sparking an investigation.

Using mobile tracking data, investigators confirmed Ganew was behind the numbers used in the fraud. He was arrested at his residence in Wa, where four phones were seized. During interrogation, he admitted to the crime and remains in custody while investigations continue.

The case has stirred fresh concerns about fraud schemes targeting high-profile individuals and the ease with which digital identities can be manipulated to exploit trust.