Fake currency : Peasah jailed two years

The Daily Graphic's front page story titled 'Fake currency : Peasah jailed two years' says that former Deputy Minister of State, Kofi Amankwah Peasah, has been jailed two years with hard labour by the Central Regional Tribunal after being found guilty of possessing papers adapted for forgoing currency notes.

The tribunal chairman, Mr. K.E. Anning, when passing judgement said Peasah, by indulging in such criminal activities, has portrayed himself as a bad example of a Minister of State from whom a lot is expected.

Mr. Anning, said the sentence was to serve as a deterent to other state officials who exploit their positions to the detriment of the nation.

Peasah's plea for clemency for being aged 61 and also for having previously rendered meritorious service to the state, was rejected, the paper says.

Mr Peasah and two accomplishes were arrested at the Moree Police barrier in the Central region on July 12, 1997 upon a tip off. When the boot of his car was searched, papers cut into various sizes of US dollars were found.

Upon interrogation, Peasah claimed owenrship saying the papers were given to him by and African American friend called Jeff Mose who is at large.