Three granted 1.5 billion cedis bail for embezzlement

Sekondi, March 24, GNA - A Sekondi Magistrate Court on Thursday granted three persons a total of 1.5 billion cedis bail with two sureties each for their involvement in a 1.1 billion cedis embezzlement case. Their pleas were not taken and they would re-appear before the court on April 12.

Prosecuting, Sergeant Adu Kyeremeh told the court that the Police arrested the Finance Officer of the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA) and two officials of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on March 15, for their alleged involvement in financial malpractices totalling 1.1 billion cedis.

The suspects are Mr Awutu Ellis Kati 53, the finance officer, Mr Glover Forson, 43 an Inspector of Taxes of the IRS and Edmund Seidu, 43 a clerk of the Harbour Branch of the IRS.

He said an audit inspection at the Urban Roads Department from 2002 to 2005, where Mr Kati was the Accounts Director, revealed that 1.1 billion cedis, which was supposed to be paid to the IRS as taxes, was allegedly embezzled with the connivance of Mr Forson.

The prosecutor said Mr Glover had occasionally asked Seidu, his bosom friend to supply him with IRS receipt books. 24 March 06