Baltasar’s Trial Begins: Former ANIF Boss May Serve 18+ Years for Alleged Corruption

• The trial of the former ANIF boss, Baltasar Engonga, has begun, and details have surfaced on social media
• According to reports, Mr Engonga could face over 18 years in prison and could be fined 910 million CFA francs (approx. GH¢16,895,760.70)
• Many people have taken to social media to share their views on the case, as others speak on the sentence and fine

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The trial of Baltasar Engonga, the former Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has begun, following global attention in November 2024 after several of his alleged sex tapes were leaked.

The scandal captured significant international focus, especially considering his position as a senior civil servant at the time.

Baltasar Engonga's trial begins

According to reports, Baltasar has been detained at Black Beach Prison since September 2024, as he stands accused of embezzling public funds alongside several former senior officials.

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Prosecutors alleged Mr Engonga masterminded a complex scheme to divert state funds for personal gain during his tenure as head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance (DGAR) from 2015 to 2020.

Reports indicate that the state was seeking a combined prison sentence of more than 18 years: 8 years for embezzlement, 4 years and 5 months for illicit enrichment, and 6 years and 1 day for abuse of office.

Additionally, a fine of over 910 million CFA francs (approx. GH¢16,895,760.70) has been proposed, along with a ban on holding public office for the length of his sentence.

Mr Engonga is one of seven former high-ranking officials on trial. Others include Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji, all accused of being part of a broader network involved in the misappropriation of state funds.

The trial began Monday, June 30, 2025, and is set to last three days. Defence attorneys have dismissed the charges as politically motivated and questioned the strength of the prosecution’s evidence.

According to sources, a verdict is expected in the coming days.

Reactions as Baltasar Engonga's trial begins

Below are the opinions of Ghanaians and other social media users on the ongoing case of Mr Engonga taking place in Equatorial Guinea:

@Blaq_KH said:

"Ooo, so why you go sentence a breadwinner? Waetin ein family go eat😫😭."

@MrAwesomeLykwid said:

"Some countries are serious about the prosecution of corrupt public officials. In Ghana, they just hold endless press conferences, then go back to God knows what."

@Joshuaakweteh69 said:

"Hi @EOCO_Official @EOCOghana @ospghana. That's a fellow African country. Nothing should stop us. ORAL needs to work."

Koo Fori granted GH₵320k bail

YEN.com.gh reported that veteran Ghanaian actor Koo Fori was granted bail in the sum of GH₵320,000 with sureties by the Dansoman Circuit Court amid $50,000 fraud allegations.

The comic actor, known for his roles in popular local productions, appeared in court on Monday, May 12, 2025. He pleaded not guilty to charges of allegedly defrauding a Ghanaian based in the United States of the said amount.

In addition to granting bail, the court also rescinded a bench warrant it had previously issued for his arrest over the same case. Koo Fori is expected to return to court for further proceedings as the case continues to unfold.

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Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh