The Accra High Court has directed that the ongoing criminal trial of Nana Appiah Mensah, the former Chief Executive Officer of Menzgold Ghana Limited, proceed virtually following medical advice that he avoids strenuous physical activity.
The decision was issued by presiding judge Justice Sedinam Awo Kwadam after the court received a letter from a medical practitioner recommending that Mensah refrain from “maximum physical exertion” for a period of three weeks.
Popularly known as NAM1, the accused was expected to appear in court on Monday, March 30, 2026, to continue presenting his defence. However, his absence prompted the court to consider alternative arrangements to ensure that proceedings were not delayed.
In her ruling, Justice Kwadam made it clear that the trial would continue regardless of his physical absence, stating that the court is equipped to handle electronic proceedings. “We are willing and able to do electronic evidence,” she indicated, adding that the accused is not required to be physically present in court but must participate remotely.
The court has therefore directed that Mensah be ready to continue his defence virtually on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from his current location. The judge also emphasised that his participation in the online proceedings is mandatory, and any failure to comply could have consequences to be determined at the next hearing.
Mensah, alongside his companies — Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult — is facing 35 out of 39 charges in connection with the collapse of the gold dealership firm.
The charges include selling gold without a licence, operating a deposit-taking business without a licence, inducement to invest, multiple counts of defrauding by false pretences, fraudulent breach of trust, and money laundering. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the accused has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During proceedings, the court also noted that the defence team had yet to file written evidence as previously directed, raising concerns about delays in the trial process.
The case is part of a long-running legal battle stemming from the collapse of Menzgold, which allegedly left thousands of customers across Ghana facing significant financial losses.
With the shift to virtual proceedings, the court aims to ensure that the trial progresses without further interruption while accommodating the health condition of the accused.
