Popular Ghanaian Scams

Since Ghanaians know a great deal about North American and Western European cultures. They invariably attempt to exploit the vulnerabilities in those cultures. For example they know that people from those countries are usually sympathetic and generous. Therefore, they concoct a variety of hard luck stories to ensnare them. One such typical hard luck story is, “Sir, I’m hungry. I would like to purchase some food to eat. Can you help me please?” Once you are a foreigner visiting Ghana you will run into a lot of this. Some individuals might actually be in genuine need of help. Nevertheless, most of those who solicit such aid are well off, and able to provide for their own needs. Primarily because the rural areas of Ghana are predominantly agricultural communities, and there is usually an abundance of food. A certain lady whom I knew, approached me, and requested money while I was walking around in Cheribaa. My immediate and unpremeditated response was, “Do you have change for a one hundred Cedi note?” Her immediate reply was, “Yes.” I thought for a moment and asserted, “Well, if you can afford to give me change for that amount of money, then you don’t need a hand out from me.” There is a warning in scripture that might be relevant to such tactics, “The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.” Proverbs 14:15. (NKJV).

In the City of Accra they have the uncanny ability to detect foreigners regardless of the color of their skin. Because Ghanaians come in many colors and shades. There are white, brown, yellow and black Ghanaians. But in this metropolis they use a multiplicity of approaches. A very common one is that of weaponizing small children, by using them against foreigners to solicit money. Those children are also extremely determined. They refuse to leave until some financial reward is forthcoming. Another common approach to scamming is call girls. She might be the person who provides services to your room. There is no mistaking them because they are overt. Advising you that they will be at your beck and call for all of your ‘needs. As we read in scripture “Say to wisdom, “you are my sister,” and you shall call insight, “intimate friend.”  In order to guard yourself from an adulteress, from the foreigner who makes her words smooth.” Proverbs 7:4-5. (LEB). Wise men wont fall into this trap. Not only because of the possibility of contracting a serious disease. But also because once you permit this person to enter your room overnight. You will most definitely be robbed.

If you are out in the country you will run into people who claim to have large quantities of gold. They continue by telling you that it is buried on some property, somewhere. Either in a remote village eight or ten hours drive by public transportation, away from where they live. Or in some other remote place. They also inform you that the gold is guarded by a spirit/demon. That the only way all of the gold can be retrieved is to make a ritual sacrifice. The ritual will have to be performed by a juju priest, and several potions will have to be purchased. That the warlock will have to be paid in full, up front. In addition to all of those expenses, you will have to give him enough money to cover the cost of transportation and labor. Since the gold will need to be dug up after all the ceremonies are successfully completed. If you are prone to having itching ears, please don’t be so gullible and naieve to believe this Anancy story. Because that’s all it is. Another grand scam. Once you give him your hard earned cash, he will vanish like a phantom. As long as life lasts you will never see him again. In fact we are warned in scripture, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:6-7. (NKJV).

Romance scams are widespread throughout Ghana. Not only are they perpetrated against other Ghanaians. They are also employed to victimize foreigners. Men are popular targets. A visiting foreign male will meet an attractive young woman who informs him that she is neither married nor emotionally entangled. Like a lamb going ignorantly to the slaughter. He usually buys her clothes, shoes, wigs, underwear and gives her money for her needs. Such girls always profess poverty. A couple of months later his neighbors begin to warn him that she is either a married woman. Or she has a lover. Since some enraged male family member has been searching for her. In fact we are cautioned in scripture, “With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him. Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it would cost his life.” Proverbs 7:21-23. (NKJV). One of the easiest ways to escape such tricks. Is to invite any young woman who asks for handouts to your house. Inform her in advance that you have some work that you would like her to do. That she will have to clean your house, wash and iron your clothes, and cook your food. Since she wants you to be her friend. Advise her that she will be paid at a competitive rate, then listen for her response. If she declines your offer then bid her farewell. She is a scammer. If she comes and does all of your work satisfactorily. Have nothing to do with her without first consulting the head of her family. To determine her true marital status. Because only then will you hear a full declaration of the truth.