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General News of Thursday, 5 July 2001

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Vice-President Was Informed Of Missing $46,000 -Issah

The dismissed Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Yusif Issah today told the Fast-track court that on his arrival from Sudan, he informed the Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama of the loss of his baggage as well as the $46,000 dollars meant as winning bonus for the Black Stars. The court is trying him for stealing and causing huge financial loss to the State.

According to him, he even delivered a goodwill message from the Sudanese Government to the Vice-President. Mallam Issah however admitted that he failed to present a report, to the government or Vice President, of the missing money.

Mallam Issah who was led in his defence by his Counsel Ambrose Derry, further told the Court that he was advised against making the incident public by Kojo Osei Bonsu, an aspirant of the FA head, because of the apparent negative effect it could have on the morale of the Black Stars.

. Mallam Issah said on arrival in Accra he also contacted the Customer Services Desk of KLM at the Accra Airport, where he was given the assurance by the Manager, Mr Osei Manu that the airline would take part liability for any loss.

Unfortunately, he was invited to appear before the special committee set up by the Government to Investigate the loss of the $46,000, dollars the day he was to meet officials of the airline to discuss the compensation. He was therefore unable to meet them. Sitting Continues tomorrow. The $46,000 meant as payment of winning bonuses for the Black Stars in Sudan in February this year got missing under bizarre circumstances.