Defence counsel to make submissions of "no case"

...in Quality Grain case

Defence counsel will on Thursday make a submission of "no case" in the Quality Grain trial in which six persons, including two former Ministers are charged with conspiracy and wilfully causing financial loss to the state.

Mr Justice Kwame Afreh, presiding over the Fast Track Court asked counsel to make their submissions when Mr Osafo Sampong, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) told the court he was resting the prosecution's case.

The prosecution on Tuesday called its 21st and the last witness, The Reverend Joseph Akunyunu-Tetteh, a Deputy Chief Manager of the Bank of Ghana (BOG), as to show how various amounts were withdrawn from the account of the Quality Grain Company, Ghana Limited in the United States (US) to purchase securities at South Trust Securities, an investment advisors based in Alabama, US.

Witness said analysis shown on bank statements, which are already in evidence indicated that various purchases and redeeming of securities were made between August 8 and November 5, 1997.

Rev Akunyunu-Tetteh said the documents did not mention the name of the beneficiary neither did it mention any of the accused persons. Witness agreed with a suggestion under cross-examination that the transaction earned profit for the company.

Those on trial are, Ibrahim Adam, former Minister of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Kwame Peprah, former Finance Minister, Dr Samuel Dapaah, Dr George Yankey, Nana Ato Dadzie and Kwesi Ahwoi, all former senior public officers.

They have pleaded not guilty and each of them is on a self-recognisance bail.