The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Emmanuel Boateng, for impersonation and defrauding both local and international victims under the guise of offering traditional herbal services.
The arrest was made in Amangoase, a suburb of Nsuta, as part of an ongoing crackdown on cyber-enabled fraud.
Boateng, currently unemployed, allegedly posed as a renowned traditional herbalist and falsely presented himself as the Chief Executive Officer of Nana Kofi Herbal, a legitimate herbal medicine brand.
His fraudulent activities involved the manipulation of social media content to mislead and extort unsuspecting clients seeking herbal treatments.
According to the Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Godwin Ahianyo, Boateng downloaded original videos shared online by the real Nana Kofi Herbal practitioner.
He then edited these videos by removing the official contact information and replacing it with his own phone numbers. This deceptive tactic enabled him to intercept and engage potential clients under false pretenses.
“Through this scheme, he lured victims seeking herbal treatment and collected money under false pretences,” DSP Ahianyo revealed during a press briefing.
The fraudulent operation, authorities say, was not confined to Ghana.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that Boateng’s scam reached clients as far as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, raising alarms about the growing trend of international online fraud linked to impersonation of trusted local brands.
Victims, both in Ghana and abroad, were allegedly duped into making payments for non-existent herbal remedies, believing they were communicating with a licensed and respected practitioner.
The scam not only cost victims financially but also potentially endangered their health, as they may have delayed or avoided legitimate medical treatment.
The Police have emphasized the importance of public vigilance when seeking services online.
DSP Ahianyo urged individuals to verify the authenticity of service providers, particularly those offering medical or therapeutic solutions, before sharing personal information or making payments.
“We are calling on the public to always double-check contact details and report any suspicious online advertisements or service providers to the police,” he advised.
Authorities are continuing investigations and have assured the public that Emmanuel Boateng will face full legal consequences.
Efforts are also underway to identify and support victims of the scam, particularly those overseas who may not yet be aware they were defrauded.
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