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Manasseh Azure mounts witness box as trial of ex-PPA boss begins

Investigative Journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has mounted the witness box to testify as the first witness for the Special Prosecutor in the case in which the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) is standing trial for 17 charges.

Together with his brother in law, the former CEO of the PPA, Agyenim Boateng Adjei has pleaded not guilty to the 17 charges levelled against them.

The charges involved 8 counts of using Public office for profit and 10 counts of directly and indirectly influencing the Public Procurement process using his office.

Francis Kwaku Arhen, said to be his in-law has also denied one Count of using Public officer for profit.

Before the trial could proceed however, the defense lawyers told the court that lead counsel for the accused persons was unavailable and hence was absent.

Investigative Journalist, Manasseh Azure tendered in his witness statement which will be relied on as evidence. But defence lawyers holding brief hinted that they have objections to some portions of the statement

Both A. B Adjei and Francis Kwaku Arhen have been granted GHC5 million each with two sureties to be justified by the court.

Presiding judge, Mary Maame Ekue Nsenkyire adjourned the trial to December 13.

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