Prosecution closes its case

Accra, Dec. 8, GNA - The Prosecution on Monday closed its case after calling 10 witnesses to give evidence in the case in which two former Ministers of State are being tried at an Accra Fast Track Court for wilfully causing financial loss to the State.

Mr Anthony Gyambiby, Principal State Attorney, made this known to the Court after Defence Counsel had completed their cross-examination of the 10th Prosecution Witness and the Investigator, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Jeff Musore.

The two charged are; Dan Abodakpi, former Minister of Trade and Industry and Victor Selormey, former Deputy Minister of Finance. They were arraigned sometime in 2002 when it came to light that they allegedly caused the loss of 2.73 billion cedis to the State in connection with the Science and Technology Park Valley Project.

They are facing seven counts of conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretences and wilfully causing financial loss to the State.

The two have denied the charges and the trial judge, Mr Justice Stephen Farkye an Appeal Court Judge with additional responsibility on the case as a High Court Judge, had granted each of them a self-recognisance bail in the sum of three billion cedis.

The case has been adjourned to Monday, January 19, 2004.

Mr Charles Hayibor is representing Abodakpi, while Mr Barimah Manu is defending Selormey. We'll make submission of "no case" against our clients - Defence Counsel Accra, Dec. 8, GNA - Defence Counsel in the case in which a former Minister and Deputy Minister are being tried for allegedly wilfully causing financial loss to the State on Monday declared their intention to make a submission of "no case" against their clients at the next adjourned date.

This followed an announcement by the Prosecution at Monday's proceedings that it had rested its case after calling 10 Witnesses to testify at the trial, which started in 2002.

The two on trial at an Accra Fast Track Court are Dan Abodakpi, former Minister of Trade and Industry and Victor Selormey, former Deputy Minister of Finance.

They are facing seven counts of conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretences and wilfully causing financial loss to the State in connection with the Science and Technology Park Valley Project.

They have both pleaded not guilty to the charges, and currently each of them is on a self-recognisance bail in the sum of three billion cedis.

Making the declaration on behalf of his colleague, Mr Charles Hayibor, Counsel for Abodakpi, told the court presided over by Mr Justice Steve Farkye, Appeal Court Judge, with an additional responsibility on the matter as a High Court Judge, said it was the view of the Defence that the Prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused persons.

On Monday, January 19, 2004, Defence Counsel would begin their submissions on their clients' behalf after which the Prosecution would reply.

The court would then fix a date and rule on the matter.

If the Court upheld Defence Counsel's submission of "no case", then it would have no alternative than to acquit their clients.

On the other hand, if the Court over-ruled or dismissed the submission, then the case would have to continue.

Thereupon, the accused persons would be called upon to open their defence.