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22.03.2007 General News

I recorded Tagor, others

22.03.2007 LISTEN
By Gilbert Boyefio

Detective Inspector Charles Adaba, the investigator in the cocaine trial of Kwabena "Tagor” Amaning and Alhaji Issah Abass, has disclosed to a Fast Track High Court that he recorded the voices of Alhaji Moro, Kwabena Acheampong, ACP Kofi Boakye, Kwabena “Tagor” Amaning and Alhaji Abass, without their knowledge.

He explained to the court yesterday that he took this decision after a voice expert from J P French and Associates, New York, USA, had requested a new recording of the participants, who were recorded previously at a meeting at ACP Kofi Boakye's residence. The new tape will enable the voice expert to compare the voices and identify who said what at the meeting.

Detective Inspector Adaba told the court that having this information in mind; he recorded the individuals who participated in the meeting without their knowledge “in order for them not to disguise their voices.”

The investigator, who is also the seventh prosecution witness in the case, had told the court that after taking possession of the “ACP Kofi Boakye tape” and listening to it, he realised there were other people he needed to talk to.

He said Alhaji Issah Abass made certain statements on the tape to the effect that Tagor"s driver had bought a house at East Legon from Mr Ashie.

Earlier on, the “ACP Kofi Boakye tape” was played in court. It lasted approximately one hour three seconds.

Gertrude Aikins, Acting Chief Public Prosecutor, made a formal application for copies of the tape to be made for the prosecution and the defence. She also appealed for an adjournment to enable the prosecution study the tape.

Ellis O Fordjour, lead Counsel for Tagor, however objected, arguing that the tape had been in the custody of the prosecution all this while and therefore did not need any extra time to study it.

He however agreed with the prosecution on the issue of obtaining copies of the tape, a sentiment Mohammed Attah, Counsel for Alhaji Issah Abass, associated himself with.

Tuesday, the court had ruled on the objection by defence Counsel to prevent the 'Kofi Boakye tape' from being played on the grounds that no foundation has been laid, the tape was not properly identified and whether the information was given voluntarily. However, a technical problem made it impossible, forcing the judge to adjourn it to yesterday.

Justice Jones Dotse, again called on the prosecution to speed up its case, since the accused persons are not on bail. The case continues today.

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