Trial date set for Amoateng

The New York Eastern District Court in Brooklyn has finally fixed a date for the commencement of a full trial for the embattled Nkoranza North MP, Eric Amoateng.

District Court Judge David Tragger, last Friday, set April 26, 2006 as the date for the proper trial of Amoateng and his accomplice, Nii Okai Adjei.


The court will meet all parties involved to select a jury on April 17 before it goes for full trial on April 26.


Amoateng has been languishing in the New York Detention Centre over an allegation of drug trafficking.


The two accused persons are facing a one-count charge of conspiracy to transport and distribute heroin with a street value of over $6 million to the United States, contrary to Federal Law.


Both accused have pleaded not guilty.

Amoateng has been appearing in court in what is described as ? status conference? in American legal term since December 12, 2005 when he was formally charged before District Magistrate, Robert Levy.


However the fixing of the trial date last Friday has set the tone for legal work to free the MP.


Judge Tragger said before the trial date, the parties would meet in court again on March 17 in what may likely be the last status conference for the exchange of documents and materials.


No materials were exchanged on Friday.


The prosecution had already presented videotapes and CD recordings, allegedly containing bit by bit of account of what took place before and after the arrest of the MP and his friend.