In the ongoing trial of Nana Appiah Mensah, also known as NAM1, the investigator has rebuffed claims from the accuser’s lawyer of shoddy work, affirming the professionalism exhibited by the investigative team.
DSP Charles Nyarko, the 8th Defence Witness, refuted accusations of incompetence, stating that the investigation was conducted meticulously, prompting commendation from the accused’s counsel.
Despite cross-examination challenges from lawyer Kwame Boafo Akuffo, DSP Nyarko maintained the integrity of the investigation, highlighting the absence of independent verification regarding the sum of money mentioned in court.
Acknowledging the absence of the commendation letter in his witness statement, DSP Nyarko defended the team’s impartiality and highlighted their neutral approach to the case.
Regarding Menzgold Ghana Limited’s representation to investors, DSP Nyarko clarified that while the investigation didn’t establish direct communication regarding SEC authorization, the nature of the representation implied legitimacy.
The trial commenced on December 20, 2023, with several witnesses called by the prosecution, including an engineer, sales manager, businesswoman, miner, trader, and businessman, culminating in DSP Nyarko’s testimony on March 26, 2024.
With the prosecution’s case concluded, the High Court has directed Defence counsel Kwame Boafo Akuffo to submit a no-case filing by April 15, with the prosecution responding by May 6.
“I am suggesting to you that the sum of money bandied about in your evidence-in-chief does not have any independent verification before this court,” lawyer Kwame Boafo Akuffo put to the witness.
“Our team did a very neutral job without any bias involved in this case,” the investigator stated, “My lord, to the extent that counsel (Mr Kwame Boafo Akuffo) for the accused wrote a letter of commendation for the team for doing a good job,” the witness told the Court.
“However, as I mentioned earlier, the representation made between A2 (Menzgold Ghana Limited) and our complainants, that it had a clear and qualified right to deal in gold suggested that our complainants were dealing with an entity authorized to do such a business,” the investigator told the court.
Justice Ernest Owusu Dapaa will hear submissions from both parties on May 14 before issuing a ruling.
NAM1, alongside Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult Ghana Limited, faces 39 charges including operating without a license, fraudulent inducement, and money laundering, involving approximately GH¢340,835,650.
Maintaining his innocence, NAM1 is currently on bail of GH¢500 million with four sureties.