Abass

The third defence witness for Alhaji Issah Abass, Abdulai Salifu, a driver of Abass, yesterday testified that he received a copy of the ACP Kofi Boakye tape transcript from Ben Ndego.

He explained to the court that in July 2006, Abass sent him to Osu to collect something from someone, who he later identified as Ben Ndego.

On his way Salifu said he received a phone call from Abass informing him that Ndego had been given the plate number of the car he was driving, a Audi Caravan with registration number GT 6981 W, for easy recognition.

He said within 15 minutes of getting to the meeting place at the Osu roundabout, a car parked behind him. He said when Ben Ndego stepped out of the car, the light gave the impression that there were two people inside.

Salifu said Ndego asked him to confirm his identity, after which he made a phone call and requested him to speak with the person.

The other party was Abass. He said Ndego gave him a brown envelope with instructions to deliver it directly to his boss.

He told the court that after Ndego had given him the envelope, he sped off in his Mazda car. He said the envelope was not sealed and he was overcome by curiosity to see what was inside it. He observed that the envelope contained some papers, one of which he pulled out.

At this juncture, the witness was given exhibit 14, which Abass alleged is a transcript of the ACP Kofi Boakye tape, to identify as the papers he saw in the envelope.

Although the witness was able to identify the papers, he indicated that at the time he received it, there were no pen marks on it.

But the Acting Director of Public Prosecution, Gertrude Aikins held that the witness was lying. She alleged that the transcript Abass tendered in evidence was one of the numerous copies flying around.

She also pointed out that there were discrepancies in the evidence of the witness and that of Abass. Reading from the court's document, Ms Aikins explained that Abass in his evidence-in-chief said he sent his driver to take a copy of the transcript from Lassey and not Ndego.

But the witness also insisted that he took the copies from Ndego and not Lassey.

When asked if he read the papers in the envelope, the witness replied in the negative. He said he could not read. This led Ms Aikins to then ask him how he was able to identify exhibit 14 as the same paper he saw in the envelope. The witness said he was able to identify it by the name of Abass.

Earlier on, the witness had identified Tagor as a friend and frequent visitor to Abass' office. He said on certain occasions he drives Abass to visit Tagor. He also told the court that apart from driving Abass, he works as a mechanic on one of Abass’ vessels, Omega One.

Still reading from the court document, Ms Aikins pointed out to the witness that Abass told the Georgina Wood Committee that he had met Tagor on only three occasions, these being at a funeral, Golden Tulip Hotel and at his house to meet some Nigerians. She noted that not even once was the office of Abass stated as one of the places they met.

During cross examination by lead Counsel for Tagor, Ellis Owusu Fordjour, the witness said he has been working with Abass for 8 years, although he was not a constant companion.

Once again the court’s attention was drawn by Mohammed Attah, Counsel for Abass to an alleged attempt by Inspector Adaba, the investigator handling the case, to talk to one of the defence’s prospective witness in jail.

Mohammed Attah said the defence had unconfirmed information that Mr Adaba 'interferes’ with any witness the defence intends to call. He noted that the investigator is supposed to assist the court to come to a fair conclusion of the case.

When given the opportunity to explain the accusations, Inspector Adaba denied ever interfering with the defence witnesses.

He said at the last adjourned that when the court charged him to bring the Tema Police Commander to court, he informed his superiors about it, who in turn contacted the Tema police who denied any knowledge about the incident.

He said he therefore went to the James Fort Prison to seek Abass’s assistance. Based on information Abass provided, he managed to locate the witness, although he denied speaking with him.

Mr Attah later pleaded with the court to charge the Tema Regional Command to bring the informant/witness to court today to give witness in the case, whether he has been granted bail or not.