NCA case: Defence wants ‘crucial documents’ released

Defence lawyers in the trial of former top officials of the National Communications Authority (NCA) are demanding access to "crucial documents" to enable them cross-examine the Authority’s former Director of Finance, Dr. Isaac Ani.

These documents according to them, are minutes from the NCA's finance's committee's 42nd meeting. 

Former NCA Board Chairman, Eugene Baffour-Bonnie, and four others have been charged with causing financial loss to the state in the award of a $4 million contract to a private firm, Infralocks Development Limited.

 

Dr. Ani, who is the state's second witness, told the court Tuesday that the payment to the private firm did not have the NCA Board's approval. 

Photo: Former Board chair Eugene Baffoe Bonnie and former NCA boss William Tevie have been charged for causing financial loss to the state

The lawyer for the former NCA Director General, William Mathew Tevie, Godwin Tamakloe, said the minutes of the finance committee details discussions by top officials of the NCA concerning the payment to the firm.

He insisted it will be unfair to his client if they were not allowed access to the document to carry out the cross-examination.

The court had earlier ordered the prosecution to furnish the accused persons with all documents in the possession of the state but Mr. Tamakloe said the said minutes were not attached. 

Justice Eric Kyei Baffuor adjourned the case to October 25.

He, however, urged the defence lawyers to make requests on time to minimise avoidable adjournments.