I want a separate trial -Casely-Hayford

Ralph Casely-Hayford, an Engineer who is jointly standing trial at an Accra Fast Track High Court (FTHC) with Sherry Ayittey, a top functionary of the 31st December Movement and two others, on Thursday petitioned the court to grant his application for a separate trial.

In a supporting affidavit, Casely-Hayford said since the others, Ayittey, Sati Ocran and Emmanuel Amuzu Agbodo, were politicians, the trial had certain political over-tones.

The accused persons have pleaded not guilty to various counts of corruption charges in connection with the divestiture of Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL)

Casely-Hayford contended: "It would not only be inconsistent with the Constitution, but inimical to my interest if I was tried together with them, because I would not be given a fair trial."

He therefore asked the court to grant his application so that he could be tried separately to ensure justice.

Mr Justice J.C. Amonoo-Monney, the trial judge, adjourned proceedings to Tuesday, December 18, to enable the State to reply the application.

Casely-Hayford faces a charge of using public office for profit. He is alleged to have accepted 70 million cedis on September 25, 1996, under the pretext of influencing Mr Dan Abodakpi, then a member of the Divestiture Implementation Committee to help in divesting GREL in favour of Societe Industrielle Plantation Hevea, a French company.

Ayittey is charged on various counts of corrupting a public officer; Ocran who is charged with using public office for profit, is alleged to have collaborated with Ayittey to influence the divestiture of GREL.

Agbodo allegedly collected 25 million cedis from Dr Albert Owusu Barnafo, a Consultant in order to influence GREL's divestiture.

All the accused persons are on self-recognisance bail.