A Volta Region-based businessman and farmer, Ladi Kwaku Avorgah, has filed a lawsuit against Sadalco and Brothers Business Ventures, Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) Abor Branch, and its branch manager over an outstanding GH₵120,000 in unpaid lotto winnings and related claims.
The case, currently before the High Court of Justice in Denu, seeks to compel the defendants to settle debts allegedly owed to the plaintiff following a September 25, 2023, lotto draw.
The plaintiff, Mr. Avorgah, argues that he and other stakers participated in a District Weekly Lotto, selecting the winning numbers 20-19-44, and were entitled to a total payout of GH₵1,731,167.
However, despite repeated demands, the first defendant, Sadalco and Brothers Business Ventures, has only made partial payments, leaving a significant amount unpaid.
Allegations Against the Defendants
In the statement of claim, Mr. Avorgah said that due to mounting pressure from other winners, he borrowed GH₵80,000 to settle part of the winnings.
In response, the first defendant later issued a post-dated cheque for GH₵149,000, dated November 7, 2023, which was presented to the GCB Bank, Abor Branch, for payment.
However, the cheque was dishonored, allegedly due to insufficient funds in the first defendant’s account.
The plaintiff further claimed that the bank misled him into paying an express processing fee of GH₵150, promising that the cheque would be honored, only for it to be returned.
He also alleged that the bank manager fraudulently handed the cheque back to the first defendant rather than allowing him to pursue legal action for the dishonored payment.
Legal Demands
The plaintiff is requesting that the court compel the first defendant to pay the outstanding GH₵120,000 in full and order the refund of the GH₵150 paid to the bank for express processing.
Fraud Allegations
Mr. Avorgah further alleges that the defendants acted fraudulently, claiming that the first defendant knowingly issued a cheque despite lacking sufficient funds.
He also accused the bank and its manager of colluding with the first defendant by failing to honor the cheque or properly handle the transaction.
Additionally, Avorgah states that he sought intervention from traditional leaders, including Awadada Torgbui Esru of Tadzewu, but the first defendant failed to comply with any of the resolutions reached.
Court Proceedings
The case is set to be heard at the High Court of Justice, Denu, where the plaintiff hopes to obtain a favorable ruling to recover his funds.
If successful, the outcome could set a precedent for similar disputes in the region, particularly regarding financial accountability in gaming and banking transactions.
The defendants are yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit. The case has drawn attention from lotto industry stakeholders and financial institutions, as it raises concerns about payment integrity, customer trust, and the role of banks in handling disputed transactions.
Next Steps
Legal analysts believe the case will hinge on whether the court finds evidence of fraud and negligence on the part of the bank.
If the plaintiff’s claims are substantiated, the ruling could result in stricter regulations for financial institutions and gaming operators in Ghana.
Read the full writs of summons below:
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