Ex-Foreign Affairs Minister Cleared Of Causing Financial Loss Charge

A High Court Judge with the Commercial Courts in Accra Friday February 25 acquitted and discharged former Foreign Affairs Minister, Akwasi Osei Adjei of six out of eight charges, including causing financial loss to the state, in a case involving the importation of rice into the country from India.

Justice Charles Mensah also acquitted former Managing Director of the National Investment Bank, Daniel Gyimah, of the same charges but ordered the two men to open their defence on the two remaining charges.

The two counts include Conspiracy to Contravene the Public Procurement Act and Contravention of the Public Procurement Act.

The two were accused of importing some 300,000 bags of rice from India between April 2008 and February 2009 but indicated 2,997 of those bags of rice were diverted, leading to a financial loss of some GH¢1.5 billion to the state.

The case was one of a number of high profile cases cited by officials of the NDC as evidence of corruption perpetuated by members of the erstwhile Kufuor administration.

Meanwhile, Defense Counsel, Godfred Dame has hinted of possibly dragging the Attorney General to court for Contempt.

This follows an interview granted Citi FM by the Attorney General, Martin Amidu, three days ago in which he said a State attorney handling a high profile case had told him he had doubts about securing a favourable outcome for all eight counts preferred in the case. The Attorney, Mr Amidu said, was confident of achieving success for just two of the counts.

Although Mr Amidu refused to name the specific case, some analysts, including Defense Counsel Godfred Dame, say Justice Charles Mensah’s ruling reflect the AG’s prediction, and this constitutes contempt of court or at least putting undue pressure on the court.

Mr Dame however told Citi FM he is satisfied with the court’s ruling.

The Court has set March 25 for the accused persons to open their defense for the two outstanding counts.