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27 foreigners arrested for attempting to cross Ghana into Togo
Twenty-seven foreign nationals, who attempted to cross Ghana into Togo have been arrested by personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), stationed at the Akanu-Noepe joint border post.
The 27, made of 14 Nigerians and 13 Nigeriens, were said to have concealed themselves in a cargo truck in a bid to outwit the GIS officials at the post, however, luck eluded them, and they were arrested last Tuesday, at half past midnight.
A GIS spokesman, Assistant Inspector Felix Klu-Adjei, told the Ghanaian Times in Ho yesterday that the suspects included the co-drivers and their mates.
He said that investigations revealed that the DAF truck with a Nigerian registration number, ZUR 100 ZY, arrived in Ghana on Sunday, May 17, through the Akanu Border Post, fully loaded with onions for delivery in Accra.
Assistant Inspector Klu-Adjei said that while the truck was returning to Togo, the GIS officers on duty at the border post stopped the vehicle at the departure gate and conducted a search on it.
The search, he said, revealed the foreigners on board the truck and they were arrested after which personnel of Port Health officers were called to screen them.
Assistant Inspector Klu-Adjei said that the suspects would be taken to Accra for “further action”.
FROM ALBERTO MARIO NORETTI, HO
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Isaac Batsa, the constituency secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the news, which has shocked the local political community.
Mr.Awuku praised the late NDC secretary for his bipartisan approach to local governance.
He noted that despite their different political affiliations, Batsa consistently rose above party lines to serve the constituency with diligence.
The MP revealed that the news was particularly shocking given that he had last interacted with Batsa just three days prior on Saturday.
Concluding his statement, Sammy Awuku extended his heartfelt condolences to Batsa’s family, the constituency and regional executives, and the entire NDC fraternity, wishing the deceased peaceful eternal rest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
