Three immigration officers charged

Accra, April 15, GNA - Three more Immigration Officers were on Thursday charged before an Accra Circuit Court in connection with the "Cocoa smuggling videotape" saga.

The officers are Mate Korle, Assistant Immigration Officer Grade II, Frederick Kofiabley, Assistant Immigration Officer Grade II and Kofi Aboagye Assistant Immigration Officer Grade II.

They have been charged with abetment of crime contrary to Section 20(1) of the Criminal Code 1960, Act 29.

Their pleas were not taken and were remanded into Police Custody to reappear on April 28, this year.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Patrick Frimpong, the Prosecutor, presenting the facts of the case said an investigative journalist, had information that some security officials at the Western frontier of the Ghana-Ivory Coast border were compromising their work.

He said they received monetary consideration to assist people smuggle dried cocoa beans from Ghana to the Ivory Coast.

Mr. Frimpong said the journalist conducted an initial investigation into the information which was captured on video and referred to the Police for investigation.

Mr. George Asumaning, Counsel for the three accused persons said the procedure being adopted by the Prosecution in this particular case was not fair and it was against the natural rule of justice.

He said he did understand why the accused persons were being discriminated against by not having their plea taken when their colleagues who were brought to court yesterday on the same charges were given the opportunity.

Mr. Asumaning said the case against the three accused persons was a "bailable" offence and that his client should be admitted to bail.

Prosecution however disagreed with the plea because investigations were ongoing therefore the accused persons were likely to compromise Police investigation the bail was granted.

GNA