Court releases Baffour Awuah's passport for parliamentary duties as AG refuses to oppose application

The High Court in Accra has varied the bail conditions of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, allowing him to retain his passport and travel abroad for official parliamentary assignments while his criminal trial continues.

Justice Charity Akosua Asem, presiding over the Commercial Court 5 Division, granted the application on Thursday, November 12, following a request by the MP's lawyers.

Baffour Awuah was granted bail of GH¢10 million with two sureties in October, with the surrender of his passport forming part of the conditions.

His counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, argued that his client needed the travel document to undertake parliamentary duties and had no intention of fleeing the country. He pointed to parliamentary rules which could result in an MP losing his seat for failing to attend sittings without justification.

The court subsequently permitted the MP to keep his passport, removing the need for him to seek judicial approval each time he intends to travel.

Speaking to reporters after the proceedings, Mr Atta Akyea said his client "needn't be coming to the court every now and then for leave to have the passport".

Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai, who represented the prosecution, did not oppose the application.

Baffour Awuah is facing charges of conspiracy, causing financial loss to the state and money laundering in connection with legal services he provided to SIC Savings and Loans in a loan recovery dispute involving an alleged GH¢9.85 million loss.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges on October 3 following investigations by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

As part of his bail conditions, the MP was also directed to report to investigators whenever required. EOCO has subsequently requested nine years of financial statements and tax records from his law firm.

Wontumi granted leave to recall prosecution witness

In a separate case on Thursday, the High Court in Accra granted former NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, permission to recall a prosecution witness for further cross-examination in his illegal-mining trial.

Justice Ruby Aryeetey approved the application involving Edward Akuoku, a former general manager of Akonta Mining who has already testified in the case.

The prosecution initially opposed the request but withdrew its objection after the defence indicated that the additional cross-examination would take approximately 2 hours.

Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai informed the court of the prosecution's decision, paving the way for the witness to be recalled.

The case was adjourned to Wednesday, November 18.

Wontumi is standing trial alongside Akonta Mining over allegations of conducting mining operations without a licence in the Tano Nimiri Forest.

Separately, EOCO has conducted a search at his residence in Tema.