Mills’ death affects Woyome trial

The death of former President John Evans Atta Mills on Wednesday affected the trial of Alfred Agbesi Woyome, the businessman involved in the GH¢51.2 million judgment debt payment, as Mr Yaw Osafo Maafo, former Minister of Education and Sports failed to appear in court since the late President   was a friend and classmate.

Ms Cynthia Lamptey, Chief State Attorney, told the court presided over by Mr Justice John Ajet-Nassam that Mr Osafo Maafo, who is a prosecution witness, could not come to court because former President Atta-Mills was his friend and classmate at Achimota School.

Alfred Woyome, a businessman is standing trial for defrauding by false pretences and causing financial loss to the State.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted a GH¢20 million bail with three sureties to be justified.

Ms Lamptey said the former Minister stated that the death of former President Mills came to him as a shock and was mourning his good friend.

Mr Osafo Buabeng, a member of Woyome’s legal team, also paid a glowing tribute to the former President who he said was his law lecturer at Legon.

Mr Justice John Ajet-Nassam, the trial Judge, said the late President Mills  taught him Legal Accountancy in which he had grade a “A”.

He subsequently adjourned the case to July 30, 2012.

Source: GNA