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John Ackah Blay-Miezah, originally named John Kolorah Blay, was a notorious Ghanaian fraudster, credited as a pioneer in advance-fee fraud. Falsely boasting a net worth of $47 billion, he operated his scams from the 1960s to the 1980s, allegedly defrauding victims across North America, Europe, and Asia of over $200 million. His exploits earned him the infamous title "The Ultimate Con Man," as spotlighted by a feature on 60 Minutes.

 John Ackah Blay-Miezah, born in 1941 in Ghana, gained infamy as a pioneer of advance-fee fraud, falsely claiming a net worth of $47 billion. From the 1960s to the 1980s, he reportedly swindled over $200 million from victims worldwide. Blay-Miezah's deceptive tactics earned him the nickname "the Ultimate Con Man," highlighted by his exposure on 60 Minutes.

After migrating to the United States in 1959, Blay-Miezah assumed false identities, including academic credentials from the Wharton School. Upon his return to Ghana in 1963, he faced imprisonment for fraudulent claims against President Nkrumah. Despite legal consequences, he continued his fraudulent activities, even attempting political involvement with the People's Vanguard party.

Exposed by 60 Minutes in 1989, Blay-Miezah died in 1992 under house arrest in Accra. Legal battles ensued over his estate, leaving many victims uncompensated. Yepoka Yeebo's book, "Anansi's Gold," explores Blay-Miezah's schemes and their global ramifications.

Explore the life of John Ackah Blay-Miezah below.