Winner of the Jhalak Prize & Plutarch Award, this captivating narrative unveils the extraordinary tale of a Ghanaian con artist who orchestrated one of the 20th century's most audacious frauds. Following Ghana's independence from Britain in 1957, the nation became a target for opportunists eager to exploit its resources. Amidst political turmoil, including the military ousting of President Kwame Nkrumah and accusations of gold theft, John Ackah Blay-Miezah emerged as a charismatic scammer. Claiming to be the custodian of a fictitious Nkrumah trust fund worth billions, he lured investors with promises of wealth in exchange for small contributions. Throughout the 1970s and '80s, his scheme ballooned, netting hundreds of millions from thousands of victims worldwide. Blay-Miezah confounded figures like Henry Kissinger and scandalized Shirley Temple-Black, all while living lavishly and evading capture with the help of ex-SAS soldiers. Despite numerous attempts to bring him down, he continued to deceive lawyers, businessmen, and investigators globally. The narrative explores Blay-Miezah's audacious exploits against a backdrop of Cold War complexities and African aspirations, revealing the untold story of a grifter who outsmarted the West at its own game.
Yeebo Yepoka Yeebo Ordine dei libri (cronologico)
The story reveals how a Ghanaian con artist orchestrated one of the 20th century's most remarkable frauds. Following Ghana's independence in 1957, the nation became a target for opportunists and Western interests eager to exploit its resources. After a CIA-backed military coup removed the inspiring president, Kwame Nkrumah, he was falsely accused of hiding the country's gold. Into this chaotic landscape emerged John Ackah Blay-Miezah, a charismatic scammer who claimed to be the custodian of a fictitious Nkrumah trust fund worth billions. He invited others to "invest" in his nonexistent efforts to access the fund. Throughout the 1970s and '80s, Blay-Miezah and his accomplices, including high-ranking Ghanaian officials and Nixon's former attorney general, defrauded thousands, amassing hundreds of millions of dollars. Living in luxury, he deceived lawyers, financiers, and businessmen worldwide while evading FBI capture. American prosecutors deemed his scheme one of the most fascinating and lucrative in modern history. The narrative explores Blay-Miezah's elaborate deception, delving into Cold War dynamics, international finance, and postcolonial betrayal, ultimately revealing the truth behind Ghana's elusive wealth.