Rawlings Appears In Court

Former President Jerry John Rawlings, on Friday attended the Fast Track Court (FTC) trying two former Ministers and three senior public officers in his administration, charged with conspiracy and wilfully causing financial loss to the state.

This was the first time he had entered the courtroom to hear proceedings since the trial commenced in April, last year. Former ministers of state, however, have been attending court occasionally, apparently to give support to their colleagues.

Mr Rawlings, dressed in light yellowish locally designed long-sleeved shirt on light brown trousers and accompanied by Mr Victor Smith, his personal assistant, entered the courtroom at approximately, 10:05am and had discussions with Kwame Peprah, third accused and former Finance Minister for nearly 20 minutes before he took his seat.

When proceedings started, the judge, Mr Justice Kwame Afreh acknowledged his presence and asked him whether he felt comfortable at where he was seated. Mr Rawlings, in a smile replied "thank you" and sat through until proceedings ended.

When he rose to leave the courtroom, newsmen, some of whom were making their debut at the trial, wanted to interview him but he declined and left the court premises.

The former President arrived at the premises at about 9:45am and went round the Supreme Court buildings, apparently to inspect the structures and extension work going on.

There were enthusiastic admirers, who shouted "JJ" " JJ" until he ascended the staircase into the courtroom of the FTC (ONE).

The other accused persons in the trial, Ibrahim Adam, former Minister of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Dr Samuel Dapaah, Dr George Yankey and Nana Ato Dadzie, all former senior public officials. They have pleaded not guilty and each of them is on a self-recognisance bail.