I am not responsible for payment approvals - Humado

Mr Clement Kofi Humado, former Minister of Youth and Sports, has told the Financial Division of the Fast Track High Court that, he could not be held responsible for approving payments.

He said he got to know from the Economic and Organize Crime Office later that what he approved for the payment plans was false.

He said he relied on the claims, the technical advice and competence of Abuga Pele, the former National Co-ordinator, Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA) to make the approvals.

“I told him I was freshly appointed and had barely been at post, so if he (Pele) is satisfied with the deliverables, then l can approve the process, which he did,” he added.

Mr Humado was answering questions in a cross-examination from Karl Adongo, Counsel for Pele in the GH?4.1 million GYEEDA trial in Accra on Monday.

Pele, and Philip Akpeena Assibit, a representative from Goodwill International Ghana are facing various charges for causing financial loss of GH?41.1 million to the state.

The state has accused Assibit of putting in false claims that he had secured a $65-million World Bank funding for the creation of one million jobs for the youth which led government to part with GH?4.1 million.

Meanwhile, Pele is also alleged to have entered into a contract with Assibit to engage in activities which have injured the state financially.

They both pleaded not guilty to all charges and are on bail.

Asked whether, the witness did ascertain the claims before approval, the former Minister said he directed his Chief Director to do due diligence before payments were made.

Mr Adongo asked whether, as a Minister the witness ever approved salaries of GYEEDA staff, but Mr Humado said he approved payment plans not payments.

“Approval for payment plans does not mean approval for payments of salaries,” he added.

The former Sector Minister said payment plans were approved by him but specific transaction which should be backed by memos was not presented to him for vetting.

The counsel, also asked whether he was satisfied with the way Pele took instructions from him (Minister) but the Minister said no.

Asked why he approved the payment of 522,000 dollars, Mr Humado said, he did so because, he taught the accused person (Pele) would have done due diligence and moreover been a colleague in parliament.

The case was adjourned to November 4.