Official of Ministry were not aware of contract - Inveastigator

Accra, Oct. 27, GNA - Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Jeff Edward Musore on Monday told an Accra Fast Track Court that a letter written to the former Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) showed that no official there was aware of the Science and Technology Valley Park Project.

He further told the Court that the Legal Department of the former MOTI was not aware of the project as well.

ASP Musore was continuing with his evidence in a case in which Daniel Abodakpi, former Minister of Trade and Industry and Victor Selormey, former Deputy Minister of Finance, are being tried for causing a total loss of 2.73 billion cedis to the State.

They have denied the charges of conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretences and wilfully causing financial loss to the State and are currently on self-recognisance bail in the sum of three billion cedis each.

ASP Musore told the court presided over by Mr Justice S. T. Farkye, a Court of Appeal Judge, with additional responsibility at the Fast Track Court, that before commencing his investigations, he wrote a letter to MOTI to inquire on the advice it offered during the drafting of the contract document and the existence of the Science and Technology Valley Park Project among other things.

The Investigator, who was led in evidence by Mr Anthony Gyambiby, Principal State Attorney, said the letter dated August 20, 2001 was addressed to the Acting Chief Director of the MOTI, who also replied to his request through the Police Special Task Force of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

ASP Musore tendered the letter and the reply from the MOTI in evidence. During cross-examination by Mr Charles Hayibor, Counsel for Abodakpi, ASP Musore confirmed an audit report on the Science and Technology Park Valley but stated that the content of the report had reduced.

Counsel: When was the audit referred to you for investigation?

ASP Musore: It was referred to me on July 16, 2001

Counsel: Where is the diary of action

ASP: It is with me.

Hearing continues on November 3.