... I don't know my salary -Anane
...Sues Raymond Archer for libel
Roads Transport Minister, Richard Anane has begun giving evidence before the Human Rights? Commission investigating him for alleged corruption, abuse of office and conflict of interest.
Led in the almost three-hour long evidence by the commission?s counsel, Dr. Bondzie Simpson, the minister repeated to the commission that his friends and families are the ones who have supported him financially, especially in remitting money to his American mistress, Alexandra O?Brien for the upkeep of their son Nicholas.
Dr. Richard Anane swore on the cross before proceeding to give his evidence, which bothered largely on his income, assets and how he was able to meet the financial demands of his American mistress, Alexandra, O?Brien.
He couldn?t tell the commission how much he earns monthly, because according to him, his salary keeps changing. Dr. Anane mentioned his wife, Mercy Afriyie Anane and his brother John Mensah, who he said bought even the suit he wore to the hearing and Collins Duodu-Bonsu, his bosom friend and former special assistant, as some of his benefactors. He confirmed that Mr. Duodu-Bonsu remitted US$72,000 (?700 million) to Alexandra O?Brien, but was quick to add that it was not done upon his instructions. The Minister told the Commission that he only got to know of these remittances at the latter part of last year. With his wife Mercy looking on and eager to come to his aid during certain moments of the hearing, Dr. Anane denied any suggestions of bigamy, saying Alexandra, who he said loves to be called Anane is not his wife. He told the commission that he only permitted his son Nicholas, who he had with the American, to be called Anane. Dr. Anane also denied that he pushed the country into an understanding with his mistress?s World Health Monitor Program because of their love affair. According to him, the signing of the MOU was only to assist him find out more about the program. Meanwhile, lawyers of the Minister are threatening to withdraw from the hearings if the Human Rights Commission fails to uphold its own rules and regulations. The lawyers are asking for the expulsion of Raymond Archer from the hearings saying he?s in contempt of the Commission. Proceedings were held up for about 30 minutes when Raymond Archer walked into the packed conference of the Commission. Dr. Anane?s led counsel, Jacob Acquah-Sampson argued that Raymond Archer who was given the opportunity to sit in the in camera hearing of Alexandra O?Brien breached the publication ban imposed on the hearings and published the proceedings before the ban was lifted. However, the facts did not support Mr. Acquah-Sampson?s argument as the publication he produced to support his case came after the ban was lifted. But the lawyers are still seeking the expulsion of the Enquirer newspaper from the proceedings because of what say are publications that seek to damage the reputation of the client. The Commission says it will rule on the matter later.
