Prosecution in Banka Chief case presents second witness

The prosecution in the case involving Nana Osabarima Twiampomah the Third, Chief of Banka, alleged to have misappropriated 150,000 dollars belonging to his subjects, has presented its second prosecution witness.

The witness, Mr Wallace Cathline-Bruce, told the court that he paid an amount of 150,000 dollars to Nana Twiampomah per a cheque payable by Stanbic Bank, signed by Mr. Asare Quansah of the Gulf Coast Resources Limited.

He tendered the cheque in evidence, saying that he paid a cheque, with number 534403, from Airport City Branch, Stanbic Bank, dated June 14, 2011 with the face value of 150,000 to the accused person.

Mr Cathline-Bruce told the court that when he submitted the cheque to the accused person, he signed the receipt issued by Mr Quansah.

During cross-examination by counsel for the accused person, Mr Richard Bobinson, he asked the witness whether Mr Quansah informed him that the cheque was for the people of Banka, adding that he responded positively, and the bearer was the accused person.

Mr Cathline-Bruce said when asked whether the promissory note produced by Mr Quansah was in favour of the accused person, he said the agreement made it clear that the money was being paid to assist the community in conducting projects in the area.

When asked whether Mr Quansah called him to assist him, he said Mr Quansah called him to meet him in his office, to ensure that monies he had promised the people of Banka would be paid in his presence, adding that he did not pay the money for any purpose.

Mr Bobinson suggested that if the said amount was meant for the people of Banka, the cheque would have been issued in their name, but Mr Cathline-Bruce insisted that it was not true because the receipt signed by the accused person made it clear that he was receiving the cheque for and on behalf of the people of Banka.

Mr Cathline-Bruce said he had known Mr Quansah for over 15 years and did not know the kind of relationship between Mr Quansah and the accused person, and was sure Mr Quansah did not pay the amount to the accused person for the administration of his stool.

He said there was no indication of any relationship between them in his office, and at the meeting it was clear that the accused person was receiving the money for and on behalf of the people of Banka.

When asked how he became a witness in the case, Mr Cathline-Bruce told the court that he was called from the Police Headquarters to come and write his statement on the transaction, adding that he was also a lawyer for Gulf Coast Resources Limited.

The case was adjourned to April 20 for continuation of cross-examination.

Nana Twiampomah is being held for allegedly misappropriating the money, which was a lease sum paid by Gulf Coast Resources Limited, a mining company, to the people, after using their land for mining for 10 years.

Charged with stealing, 52-year old Nana Twiampomah, has pleaded not guilty.

He is currently on bail in the sum of GH? 50,000.00 with one surety to be justified.

The surety deposited a title deed equivalent to the principal sum of $150,000 to the Court's Registry.

Nana Twiampomah has also been ordered to sign a bond not to travel outside the country, until the matter is disposed off.