Knowledge on award of contract based on available documents – Zita

Mrs Zita Okaikoi, Minister of Tourism on Monday admitted that her knowledge on the case involving Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, former Minister of Information and National Orientation and seven others were based on documents and information available at the Ministry of Information (MOI).

Answering questions under cross examination, Mrs Okaikoi told the Accra Fast Track High Court that although she was not present when contracts on projects at the MOI were signed, documents such as requests for payments on the projects were available.

When asked what she knew about Kofi Asamoah Boateng, one of the accused persons, she said the accused was the former Director in-charge of Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Tourism, and transferred to MOI.

According to the former Information Minister, information on the accused was also provided by the directors at the Ministry.

Asamoah-Boateng, his wife, Zulieka Jennifer Lorwia and six other public officers have been charged with conspiracy to defraud the state.

Also in court was a non-legal entity firm, Supreme Procurement Agencies Limited (SPAL).

The accused are alleged to have conspired to defraud the state of GH¢86,915.85 in renovation works undertaken at the Ministerial Block of the Ministry during Asamoah-Boateng’s tenure of office.

The other accused persons are Frank Agyekum, former Deputy Minister of Information and National Orientation;  Sampong, former Acting Chief Director, Ministry of Information and National Orientation; Kwabena Denkyira, former Director of Finance and Administration of the Ministry and Prosper Arku of SPAL and Yasmine Domua, a businesswoman.

They have pleaded not guilty before the court presided over by Mr. Justice Charles Quist.

The court has admitted them to GH¢10,000 bail each with a surety.
The case was adjourned to Tuesday, March 16 to enable counsels for Frank Agyekum and Yasmine Domua to cross examine the witness.

Source: GNA