Manager of Adwumapa Cocoa Ltd remanded for embezzlement

Kumasi, May 27, GNA - The District Manager of Adwumapa Cocoa Buyers Limited at Adabokrom in the Western Region has been remanded in police custody to assist in the investigation of his alleged embezzlement of GH¢30,600 from his employers.

Patrick Nyarko, 38, whose sudden disappearance drew the attention of the media on March 3, 2009, was arrested at his hide out at Berekum in the Brong Ahafo Region.

His plea was not taken and he will re-appear before the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Circuit Court on June 11, 2009. Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Albert Odei Quansah told the court presided over by Mr Adjei Frimpong that the complainant was the area manager of the firm, adding that on April 2008, the money was given to the accused to purchase 300 bags of cocoa beans. He said Nyarko was instructed to transact the business in the cash and carry manner but he refused until an audit report gave him out. The audit report indicated that, only 51 bags of the cocoa beans had been bought while he could not account for the rest of the money. Thus, he went into hiding till May 16, this year, when he was arrested.

In his caution statement, he confessed giving part of the money to some buying agents who also embezzled it. The Court has therefore ordered him to lead the police to the said agents to retrieve the money.