State presents sixth witness in GYEEDA case
The State has presented its sixth prosecution witness in the trial of Abuga Pele, the former National Co-ordinator, GYEEDA and Philip Akpeena Assibit, a representative from Goodwill International Ghana.
Mr Eric Sunu, an Accountant Officer, attached to GYEEDA told the Financial Division of the Fast Track High Court that, he prepares account, payment vouchers and cheques for the agency.
The witness, who was led by Mrs. Comfort Tasiema, the Principal State Attorney, said the agency has three Bank accounts at the Bank of Ghana, adb and the GT Bank.
He said the agency’s source of revenue came from the communication service tax, NHIS, GETfund and sometimes releases from the Ministry of Finance.
On how come he prepared a payment voucher for Mr Assibit, to be paid to the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI) and Goodwill International Ghana, the witness said, the accused person presented an invoice for payment of a consultancy service provided to GYEEDA.
“The invoice for 2 million dollars was presented and payment was done in four installments,” he added.
He said the first payment was made on May 10, 2011 in the sum of GH₵826,153, the second payment of GH₵840,000 was on December 12, 2011.
He said the third payment of GH₵760,500 was done On February 14, 2012 and the fourth, GH₵457.957.00 on May 14, 2012, all these for consultancy service.
Mr Sunu said there were further payments done with regards to the tracer study of an amount of GH₵835,000, which was received by Mr Assibit.
The two are facing various charges of causing financial loss of GH₵41.1 million to the state.
The state has accused Assibit of putting in false claims that he had secured a $65 million World Bank funding for the creation of one million jobs for the youth, which led government to part with GH₵4.1 million.
Meanwhile, Pele is also alleged to have entered into a contract with Assibit to engage in activities that have injured the state financially.
They both pleaded not guilty to all charges and are on bail.
The case was adjourned to March 11, 12 and 13.
Source: GNA