GIA trial: Mpiani, others now face 22 charges

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gertrude Aikins has reviewed to 22 the number of charges against five ex-government officials in the ongoing Ghana International Airlines trial.

She had early on preffered 13 charges at the first adjourned date, but excluded Prof Gyan Baffuor, former Minister of State at the Finance Ministry who was said to be at large, but had not at the time been charged.

He made his first appearance in court on Monday with a total of six charges, including causing financial loss to the state and deceit of a public officer.

Former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei leads the pack of accused with a total of nine counts, including causing financial loss to the state and deceit of public officers.

He had early on been charged with seven counts.

According to the DPP, the two connived to get Parliament to approve an amount of $16m for the running of the airline at a time it was deemed not viable.

Joy News correspondent Araba Koomson, reports that five other charges have been slapped on the former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party and minority shareholder, Sammy Crabbe.

He is alleged to have withdrawn an amount of $1.7 million from government accounts without due authorisation.

The other defendants are Richard Anane, former Roads and Transport Minister and Kwadwo Mpiani, ex-chief of Staff under the Kufuor regime.

The five have been handed a GH¢300,000 bail each to reappear on May 10, 2010.