Court refuses bail for six accused in 3.9-tonne cocaine shipment case

The Kwabenya Circuit Court has refused bail for six people on trial over their alleged role in shipping 3.9 tonnes of cocaine to France.

Francis Narh Amanor, the first accused, is alleged to be the exporter named on the container. The second accused, Frank Adu-Boahen, is alleged to own the goods.

The other four accused are Togbe Agbeti, Andrews Tetteh Amponsah, Daniel Laryea and Helena Akua Denkyi, all staff of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority. They are alleged to have scanned the container and noticed an anomaly in its contents, but failed to flag it.

At last week's hearing, defence lawyers asked the court to grant their clients bail. They argued that the accused had cooperated with investigators, were willing to stand trial, and had particular health conditions that justified their release while the trial continues.

The presiding judge, His Honour Prince Osei Owusu, said the court had to decide whether the accused would appear for trial and whether they might interfere with the proceedings. He ruled that, given the nature of the offence, the accused should stay on remand.

The case has been adjourned to October 20.