"I am not guilty" pleads Dr. Yankey

A former Director at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. George Sipa-Yankey, has pleaded not guilty to conspiring with five former government officials to fraudulently cause the loss of over 22 million dollars to the state in the Quality Grain Scandal.

He was making his first appearance at the trial in which he has been charged together with Mr. Ibrahim Adam, former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Samuel Dappah, former Chief Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Kwame Peprah, former Minister for Finance, Nana Ato Dadzie, former Chief of Staff and the former Chief Executive of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi.

The fast-track High Court, presided over by Mr. Justice D.K. Afreh, granted him bail in self recognisance as had been extended to the other accused persons. They have all pleaded not guilty to the charge of aiding Mrs. Renee Cotton nee Woodard to dupe the state of over 22 million dollars.

Meanwhile the court has adjourned proceedings till Monday, June 11, when full hearings are expected to proceed. Similar to the previous sittings, the court was packed with all the accused persons present. Also, NDC MP's party supporters and curious members of the public were present. Almost all the accused persons appeared confident and cheerful while awaiting formal proceedings to commerce.