Cheating Sisters Before Tribunal

Accra (Greater Accra) 23 June, '98

A poultry farmer appeared before an Accra circuit tribunal charged with fraud and fraudulent breach of trust. Augustina Quarcoopome, pleaded not guilty to both charges and was granted 20 million cedis bail to re-apear on Junly 19.

Police Inspector Alex Yartey Tawiah told the tribunal chaired by Mrs. Elizabeth Yeboah, that Augustina's father married Madam Rita Odoi, who already had five daughters.. On the death of Rita's mother in 1977, she bequeathed two houses to them.

The prosecution said Augustina suggested to her half sisters that one of the houses at Osu in Accra, should be sold and the proceeds shared to start a business of their own. This idea was gladly bought by the half sisters. Augustina therefore, sold the house, for 120 million cedis and was to share the money with the other five sisters but instead of handing over Rita's share, Augustina kept it.

When Rita got wind of the sale and confronted Augustina for her share, the accused gave Rita 3.5 million cedis. A disastisfied Rita, made her own investigations and got to know that Rita should have given her 20 million cedis and, therefore, demanded the balance which Augustina could not pay. gri