NAM1 trial adjourned to July 6 at the instance of prosecution

The trial of Chief Executive Officer of defunct Menzgold Ghana Limited, Nana Appiah Mensah, popularly known as NAM1, has taken another long adjournment to July 6, 2021, after the prosecution was unable to file the necessary processes as ordered by the trial court.

The court presided over by Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah had ordered the prosecution to file their processes before yesterday’s sitting.

But appearing before the court, the prosecutor, ASP Sylvester Asare, stated that they were unable to file the processes as ordered by the court, but said it was not a deliberate attempt to delay the trial.

“The records will show that at the last sitting, we indicated and pleaded with the court as it is in the interest of justice. This morning we are again on bended knees, although standing, we ask that you give us the necessary ear,” he told the court.

He added that “we will ensure that we file the necessary processes. We pray that in the interest of justice, my Lady grants an adjournment to enable parties put their house in order.”

The prayer was not opposed by the defence team and the court adjourned the matter to July 6, 2021.

Main Trial

NAM1, together with his wife, Rose Tetteh, and his sister, Benedicta Appiah (both of whom are at large), are altogether facing a total of 13 counts of defrauding by false pretence, money laundering, abetment and carrying on deposit-taking business without licence.

The charges include six counts of defrauding by false pretence, abetment, money laundering and carrying on deposit-taking business without licence.

His companies – Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult Limited – have also been charged with seven counts of defrauding by false pretences, and carrying on deposit-taking business without licence.

NAM1, on July 26, pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The court, presided over by Jane Harriet Akweley Quaye, granted him bail to the tune of GH¢1 billion (about $185 million) with five sureties, three of which are to be justified.

Additionally, he was ordered by the court to report to the police every Wednesday.

Unable to satisfy the bail conditions, the defence team, led by Kwame Boafo Akuffo, later filed an application asking for variation of the terms.

However, the presiding judge, after listening to both sides, though maintained the sum of GH¢1 billion, removed the condition of three of the five sureties to be justified.

Daily Guide