Ex PPA boss trial: Manasseh Azure testifies as OSP’s first witness

The trial for former CEO of the Public Procurement Authority, Adjenim Boateng Adjei begun on Tuesday, Nov 29 with the Special Prosecutor calling on its first witness, Manasseh Azure Awuni.

Together with his brother in law, the former CEO of the PPA, Agyenim Boateng Adjei has pleaded not guilty to 17 charges levelled against them.

The charges involved 8 counts of using Public office for profit and 10 counts of directly and indirectly influencing the Public Procurement process using his office.

Francis Kwaku Arhen, said to be his in-law has also denied one Count of using Public officer for profit.

Before the trial could proceed however, the defense lawyers told the court that lead counsel for the accused persons was unavailable and hence was absent.

Investigative Journalist, Manasseh Azure tendered in his witness statement which will be relied on as evidence. But defence lawyers holding brief hinted that they have objections to some portions of the statement

Both A. B Adjei and Francis Kwaku Arhen have been granted GHC5 million each with two sureties to be justified by the court.

Presiding judge, Mary Maame Ekue Nsenkyire adjourned the trial to December 13th.

Source: 3news.com |Ghana