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The Achimota Circuit Court has remanded a 52-year-old Administrator at the Office of President, Ernest Justice Ampong, into police custody to make way further investigations.
The court remanded him after he pleaded not guilty to four charges of stealing, defrauding by false pretence, forgery of official documents and deceiving public officer.
Narrating the facts of the case to the court, ASP Ahiale who lead prosecution told the court, the accused used his position as an Administrator and forged the Presidency letter head to the officer in charge Presidential Household, State House, requesting booking of the Black Star Square to hold a music and arts festival on January 6th and 8th 2024.
He said the accused used the said fake letter to collect a total sum of GH¢30,000 from one Paa who is an agent of the organisers of the aforementioned event. He, however, paid only GH¢14,000 to the state and kept the remaining GH¢16,000.
Accused person went ahead to prepare a fake receipt covering the payment of the GH¢30,000 and handed over same to the said Paa.
It was revealed that accused person forged the letter dated October 31, 2023, as well as the signature of the Deputy Director of Diaspora Affairs to deceive the officer-in charge of Presidential Household, in other to secure the services of the Black Star Line knowing very well that the state events agency will not be organising any program at the said venue.
He told the court they are still investigating and pleaded with more time.
Lawyer for the accused person, Samuel Laryeah, challenged the charges level led his client by the prosecution.
Laryeah claimed the prosecution team have skewed the facts because the facts as presented in the court, do not support the charges.
He said the accused person has been in custody for five days and as an Administrator, he has a fixed place of abode and ready to stand trial to redeem his image.
The court, presided over by Mrs. Mawusi Dejrah, remanded Ampong and adjourned the case to January 31, 2024, as while urging the prosecution to speed up with their investigations.
