Accra, Aug 26, – John Vanderpuye, a travel agent, was today brought before an Accra circuit tribunal charged with defrauding a farmer of 1,800 dollars. Vanderpuye collected the money under the pretext of assisting the relative of Mr Joseph Nkrumah, the farmer, to secure travel documents but failed to honour his promise. He pleaded not rpt not guilty. The three-man tribunal chaired by Mr Charles Nyewolema granted him bail in the sum of five million cedis to re-appear on September 22. Police Inspector Joseph Ohemeng told the tribunal that in August 1995, Mrs Georgina Osei, wife of the farmer’s nephew, wanted to join the husband in Italy. Mr Nkrumah approached Vanderpuye on Mrs Osei’s behalf to assist and therefore parted with the money. Vanderpuye told Mr Nkrumah that Mrs Osei could not travel straight to Italy but should transit through Holland. The accused, therefore, suggested that a Dutch visa had to be secured for her. Mrs Osei, after failing the interview for a Dutch visa, decided to abandon the trip. She then approached Vanderpuye for a refund of the money and when he failed to refund it, she reported the matter to the police. According to the prosecution, Vanderpuye has so far refunded 2,000 dollars.
