Quality Grain Company was registered twice- Witness

The first prosecution witness in the case in which six persons, including two former Ministers are standing trial in the Quality Grain scandal on Tuesday said the Quality Grain Company was registered twice on different dates with different directors by the Registrar-General's Department (RGD).

Mr Joseph Kofi Harlley, a Chief State Attorney at the RGD told the Fast Track Court that on July 21, 1995 he signed a certificate of incorporation of the first Quality Grain Company, Ghana Limited to commence business.

Led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mr Osafo Sampong, witness said the directors were Juliet Renee Woodard, James Megarrh, both foreigners and Bismarck Nettey, a Ghanaian.

Mr Harlley said the second Quality Grain Company was issued with a certificate to start business on February 9, 1996 with Juliet Renee Woodard, as first director and Dr George Yankey, the fourth accused, as the second director representing the Ghana Government.

Witness said both companies were registered as producers and exporters of agricultural commodities.

The accused persons are Ibrahim Adam and Kwame Peprah, both former Ministers, Dr Samuel Dapaah, Dr George Yankey, Nana Ato Dadzie and Kwesi Ahwoi, all former senior public officials.

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

Mr Harlley said the RGD detected the double registration so he informed the directors of the second company and advised them to either liquidate the first one or have the two "amalgamated".

Witness said none of the two options was complied with. He explained that the liquidation of a company lies with the discretion of its solicitors but the amalgamation is in consonance with the Company Law.

Mr Harlley said it is the responsibility of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) to ensure that a foreigner who wanted to do business in the country complied with regulations and conditions governing business operation.

Hearing continues on Wednesday, July four.