Accra, Jan. 12, GNA - The Fast Track High Court on Wednesday ordered that a hearing notice should be served on the Attorney General in the case in which Stephen Asamoah Boateng, ex-Minister of Minister of Information and National Orientation, and a number of other people, are being held for allegedly failing to follow due process before rehabilitating the Ministry's Block.

This followed the absence in court of Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Deputy Minister of Information (MOI), the third prosecution and the prosecutor, Mr Anthony Gyambiby, a Chief State Attorney. Defence counsels were to continue to cross-examine Mr Ablakwa when the case was called.

Ms Cynthia Lamptey, Chief State Attorney, who was in court over a different issue, held the brief of Mr Gyambiby.

Ms Lamptey said she could not tell why Mr Gyambiby was absent. Mr Augustines Obour, defence counsel for Dominic A. Sampong, former Acting Chief Director of the Ministry, insisted that Ms Lamptey held brief while she and other lawyers cross-examined Mr Ablakwa. However, Mr Ablakwa was not in court.

The court presided over by Mr Justice Charles Quist, therefore, adjourned the matter to February 9.

Asamoah-Boateng, his wife, Zulieka Jennifer Lorwia and six public officers have been charged with conspiracy to defraud the State. Also in court was a non-legal entity firm, Supreme Procurement Agencies Limited.

The accused persons are alleged to have conspired to defraud the State of GH¢86,915.85 in renovation works undertaken at the Ministerial Block during Asamoah-Boateng's tenure of office.

Other accused persons are Frank Agyekum, former Deputy Minister of Information and National Orientation, Dominic A. Sampong, former Acting Chief Director, Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Kwabena Denkyira, former Director of Finance and Administration of the Ministry, Prosper Arku of the non-legal entity firm, and Yasmine Domua, a businesswoman. They have all pleaded not guilty. The court has admitted them to GH¢10,000 bail each with a surety.