Request for minutes forces court to adjourn case against ex-NCA boss, others

The judge hearing the case against the former National Communication Authority (NCA) Board Chairman, Eugene Baffoe Bonnie and four others, has asked lawyers for the accused persons to apply for all the necessary documents they intend to rely on in defending the case. Justice Eric Kyei Baffoe was forced to adjourn proceedings Tuesday following a demand for the 43rd minutes of the NCA Financial Committee from the prosecution team, which were not readily available. Second prosecution witness, Deputy Director General in charge of management and Operations, Isaac Yaw Ani was in the witness box being crossexamined when the defence lawyers made the request for the minutes. After almost two hours of cross examination of the witness, Mr. Bonnie’s laywer, Thaddeus Sory, indicated to the High Court that he was at the final stage of his cross examination of the witness. Mr. Sory told the court that the said minute was key to their case, indicating it would aid in wrapping up his cross examination of the witness. He thus requested the Court to compel the state prosecutors to furnish him with it. Though the Court wanted the lawyer for the second accused person to commence his cross examination of the witness,  but lawyer Godwin Tamakloe, said he could only begin if he is served with the minutes of the 42nd meeting. Justice Eric Kyei Baffour was left with no option than to adjourn sitting to Thursday October 25 by which time the defence team should have obtained the documents. Meanwhile, he cautioned the defence team to ensure that they request for all the necessary documents they require in the case on time to avoid delays. Background to case On prosecution are the former Director-General of the NCA, William Tevie and two board members, Nana Owusu Ensaw and Alhaji Salifu Mimina Osman, as well as a businessman, George Derek Oppong, who were accused of engaging in infractions in the procurement of listening devices from Infraloks Development Limited for the state. They are facing four counts of conspiracy to willfully cause financial loss to the state, willfully causing financial loss to the state and conspiracy to steal. By editors.3news.com| Ghana