BY Issah Olegor
Businessman Nana Appiah Mensah, widely known as NAM1, has reportedly fallen ill amid his ongoing prosecution linked to the collapse of Menzgold Ghana Limited, prompting a new twist in one of Ghana’s most closely watched financial crime cases.
At a hearing held on March 30, 2026, at the Accra High Court, the embattled entrepreneur informed the court of his deteriorating health condition through his legal team.
His lawyers presented a medical report indicating that he was in a fragile state and unable to endure significant physical exertion. Based on this submission, the court granted a request for him to participate in proceedings virtually.
NAM1 is currently facing multiple charges, including defrauding by false pretence, operating a gold trading business without a licence, and money laundering.
Prosecutors allege that he, together with his wife and sister, used Menzgold to defraud more than 16,000 customers of approximately GH¢1.68 billion in a scheme that collapsed in 2018, triggering nationwide outrage and financial distress for thousands of investors.
The case, which has dragged on for several years, has been marked by numerous legal challenges. Following his arrest in Dubai in 2019 and subsequent extradition to Ghana, NAM1 filed multiple applications seeking to halt proceedings.
However, in December 2025, the Supreme Court dismissed his attempts, upholding earlier rulings by both the High Court and Court of Appeal, thereby clearing the way for him to open his defence.
Despite this progress, the decision to allow virtual participation has reignited public anger, with many Ghanaians expressing frustration over the pace of justice in the case. Critics argue that the prolonged delays have eroded confidence in the judicial process, particularly given the scale of financial losses involved.
On social media, reactions have been sharp and emotional, with some users pointing to perceived disparities in the justice system.
Comparisons have been drawn between the handling of high-profile financial crimes and the treatment of minor offences, with concerns raised about fairness and accountability.
