Anansi's Gold

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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.