Investigator fails to show up in Amoateng forged passport case

Lawyers for former Nkoranza North MP Eric Amoateng today had their hopes of completing the cross-examination of the final state witness dashed.

Mr. Amoateng who was released from a US jail last year for dealing in narcotics has been charged in Ghana with possession of a forged passport.

But an Accra circuit court was today forced to adjourn his trial as the prosecutor failed to turn up.

Joy News Kwakye Afreh-Nuamah who was in court today reports that the investigator was to be cross-examined by lawyers for Eric Amoateng.

Even though the investigator was in court the prosecutor failed to show up because of ill health. The last time the case was adjourned, the prosecutor was present but the investigator did not turn up because he was indisposed.

The presiding judge Ellen Vivian Amoah was therefore compelled to adjourn to February 10.

Mr. Amoateng's lawyers insist their client was not aware that the passport was forged and have shown serious intent to grill the investigator, Afreh Nuamah reported.

One of the lawyers Charles Pouzing told Joy News he had hoped the case would have been determined early to enable his client “start with his new life unfortunately it is slow”.

He said though Mr. Amoateng is “still strong and fresh” and adjusting to his families, the delay is “frustrating” to many, including the lawyers.

Though the state had indicated its intention to confiscate the properties of Mr. Eric Amoateng in connection with his drugs case, Charles Pouzing said they have no knowledge of the state carrying through the threat. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com| Isaac Essel | [email protected] | twitter @isaacessel