Clearing agent granted 50 million cedis bail for fraud

Tema, Feb. 25, GNA- A clearing agent who was paid 20.5 million cedis to clear goods, but went into hiding was on Wednesday granted 50 million cedis bail by the Tema Circuit Court "B".

Edward Larweh pleaded not guilty and will re-appear on March 9. Police Chief Inspector Edith Nutakor told the court presided over by Mr Stephen Teye that on January 27, 2004, Mr Michael Essian, a trader at Takoradi engaged Larweh, to clear his imported goods from the Tema port. She said the trader gave Larweh 20.5 million cedis cash, which the agent had estimated for the payment of the freight charges and other duties.

The prosecution said Larweh after collecting the money, failed to clear the goods, but went into hiding, and Mr Essian reported the case to the harbour police.

Larweh was arrested from his hideout, and during investigations, he confessed that he collected the money.