PHOTO:Opia Mensah
A bogus website posing as GhanaWeb has been called out for publishing a sensational but baseless fraud story targeting Opia Mensah, the former Adisadel Assemblyman, in what he describes as a malicious smear campaign.
In a strongly worded rejoinder dated 13th May 2025, Mensah fiercely denied allegations that he was on the run after allegedly siphoning GH₵2.3 million in a fraudulent auction deal involving Hasnam Auction Mart. He blasted the publication, accusing the website of reckless character assassination under the guise of legitimate news.
“I am not on the run, nor have I been pursued by the Ghana Police Service, the Institute of Auctioneers, or the Accra High Court regarding any auction fraud or criminal conduct,” Mensah stated. “There is no criminal investigation against me, and I am readily available to cooperate with any lawful inquiry.”
The report, which bore the headline “Auction Fraud: Opia Mensah, Ex-Adisadel Assemblyman, Flees with GH₵2.3 Million,” falsely claimed that Mensah and a supposed accomplice, Allan Kweku Otoo Idun, orchestrated fraudulent auction sales and pocketed millions from unsuspecting clients. Mensah vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that he had no dealings with Otoo Idun and had not been involved in any fraudulent auction activities.
The publication further accused Mensah of promising victims auction vehicles and collecting GH₵2 million under false pretences – claims he categorically dismissed as fabricated. “I have not engaged in any such scheme, and no complaint of this nature has been lodged against me at any police station or court,” he stated.
Mensah demanded an immediate retraction and apology, warning that he would not hesitate to initiate legal action to protect his reputation. He also slammed the publication for failing to reach out for his response before running with the unverified story, a move he described as “a gross violation of journalistic ethics and a blatant disregard for truth and accuracy.”
The incident has raised serious concerns about the rise of fake news websites mimicking reputable media outlets to spread falsehoods and tarnish reputations. With Mensah vowing to clear his name in court, the stage is set for a fierce legal battle – and a critical examination of media malpractice in the digital age.
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