Fourth witness testifies in Woyome case
A fourth prosecution witness, Wednesday testified at the trial of Alfred Agbesi
Woyome, the businessman, who allegedly defrauded the state to the tune of
GH51.2 million.
Ms Yvonne Quansah of the financial sector of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MOFEP) told the Financial Division of the Fast Track High Court in Accra that she was part of the financial committee that recommended Vamed Engineering and Epipherm as "preferred choice" for the CAN 2008 stadia project.
Woyome has been in court since February, 2012 charged with two counts of causing financial loss and defrauding by false pretence.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently on a GH¢20 million bail.
Led by a Chief State Attorney, Ms Cynthia Lamptey, the witness told the court that she was part of a financial analysis sub committee which was tasked to analyse financial proposals from companies bidding to partake in stadium projects for CAN 2008.
She said the committee prepared a report at the end of its work. The report is currently in evidence as an exhibit.
Ms Quansah said Bank Austria had written a letter of support to finance Vamed's bid, but indicated that the government did not receive any money from the bank.
Asked if she knew Woyome, she answered in the affirmative and indicated that he represented Vamed Engineering.
She said the Ministry of Education forwarded Vamed Engineering's proposal to MOFEP for consideration.
Answering questions under cross examination from counsel for Woyome, Mr Osafo Buabeng, the witness told the court that she did not sign her portion of the final report because she was out of the jurisdiction when the report was finalised.
The letter of support from Bank Austria was tendered in evidence through the witness.
Ms Quansah informed the court that she was aware the government was expected to meet some conditions spelt out by Bank Austria, but could to tell whether or not those conditions were met.
Hearing continues on January 15, 2013.
Other witnesses who have testified in the case are Mrs Mangoa Gharney, a lawyer at the MOFEP, Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, a former Minister of MOFEP and a former Deputy Minister of MOFEP, Mr Kwaku Agyemang-Manu.
Story by Mabel Aku Baneseh
