Benneh granted bail for the second time

Accra, May 16, GNA - An Accra Regional Tribunal on Tuesday admitted to bail Frank Yaw Benneh, a former diplomat, who allegedly jumped bail on May 10.

Benneh has been charged with dealing in narcotic drugs while at post in Geneva, Switzerland. He has denied the charge saying he did not at any particular time involve himself in the drug business.

The accused will remain on his former bail of 10 million cedis with two sureties to be justified and also report once a week to the narcotic unit, where his passport is deposited.

The first bail condition was decided by the Court of Appeal and was approved by the Supreme Court. Benneh will appear again on May 30. However that is not a firm date for judgement as announced earlier by the tribunal chaired by Mr Justice George Wright Mensah, sitting with Mr S. Y. Kwamuar rpt Kwamuar and Mr Andrews Dartey, as permanent panel members.

Mr Martin Amidu, Deputy Attorney-General, said since the accused has breached the bail, he has forfeited the former bail and, therefore, has to enter into a fresh bail bond.

Replying, Mr Ray Kakraba-Quarshie, counsel for Benneh, said it was not the intention of Benneh to abuse the bail granted him. He asked the tribunal to give a ruling on the bail issue, whether it was proper for his client to remain on his former bail, or to enter into a fresh bail bond.

Mr Justice Wright cautioned the accused to obey the bail conditions and asked: "why do you want to put yourself into trouble." Mr Amidu had earlier submitted his address written from the evidence in chief and cross-examination of the accused on March 30, while Mr Kakraba-Quarshie submitted his reply to the address on April 19.