Prosecution failed to prove charges against Nana Ato Dadzie - Counsel

Counsel for Nana Ato Dadzie, fifth accused person in the Quality Grain trial, on Thursday urged the Fast Track Court (FTC) to acquit and discharge his client because the prosecution had failed to prove its case against him.

Nana Agyei Ampofo, the counsel, said evidence given by 21 witnesses and documents tendered did not disclose any conspiracy or acts of wilfully causing financial loss to the state.

Nana Ampofo was making a submission of "no case" in the trial of Nana

Dadzie, former Chief of Staff at the office of the President and five others for allegedly conspiring and causing financial loss to the state.

The prosecution rested its case last week and defence counsel gave notice of making a submission of "no case".

Counsel submitted that the charges against his client and the other accused persons "have no basis" in law since the prosecution failed to state how they wilfully caused financial loss to the state.

He said there was nothing on record to show that at the time his client was at post he conspired or wilfully caused financial loss to the country.

Nana Ampofo contended that it was in evidence that monies were given to Nana Dadzie for disbursement to farmers and settlers whose land was taken for the rice project at Aveyime in the Volta Region.

Counsel said it was also evident that the accounts of the disbursement were audited and found to be correct.

He said his client did his duty as an obedient public servant to a government policy of ensuring that the project was established to ensure that the country became self-sufficient in rice production.

Nana Ampofo asked the court not to call on his client to open his defence but acquit and discharge him.

The other accused persons are, Ibrahim Adam, former Minister of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Kwame Peprah, former Finance Minister, Dr Samuel Dapaah, Dr George Yankey and Kwesi Ahwoi, all former senior public officials.

They have all pleaded not guilty and each of them is on a self-recognisance bail

Counsel for Ahwoi said he associated himself with the sentiments expressed by Nana Ampofo and called for acquittal and discharge of his client.

He said it is in evidence that his client, who was the Chief Executive of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) ensured that the Quality Grain Company as a foreign investor was legally registered.

Counsel said there was no justification for Ahwoi to be charged because a prosecution witness testified that the company was legally registered with the centre.

He said the accused did his official duty and never did anything unlawful with the company. Hearing continues on Monday, November 5.