Accra, Dec 17, GNA- A defence counsel in the Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) divestiture case at an Accra Fast Track Court (FTC) will on Thursday, December 18 move a motion for stay of proceedings pending the determination of an appeal against the Court's ruling on Wednesday, December 10.

Mr J. E. Senoo, counsel for Emmanuel Amuzu Agbodo, former Executive Secretary of the Divestiture Implementation Committee (DIC), and one of the three accused persons on trial, gave the indication at the court's sitting today.

Mr David Lamptey, counsel for Hanny Sherry Ayittey, treasurer of the 31st December Women's Movement, and one of the accused persons, said he had also filed a similar appeal, but asked the court to allow him to move his motion for stay of proceedings in January next year. A third defence counsel, Mr Rodney Heward-Mills, however, told the court that he had not filed any application, and that his client, Ralph Casely-Hayford, was prepared to open his defence.

Last Wednesday, the trial judge Mr Justice J. C. Amonoo-Monney, Appeal Court Judge, with an additional responsibility on the case as a High Court Judge, over-ruled submissions of no case made on behalf of the three accused persons by their counsel.

A fourth accused person, Sati Dorcas Ocran, a housewife, was however, acquitted and discharged by the court because in its view, the prosecution failed to establish a "prima facie case against her. Ayittey, and Agbodo face similar charges of corruption by a public officer, whilst Casely-Hayford is charged with accepting bribe to influence a public officer.

They have all denied the charges, and are on their own recognisance bail. 17 Dec 03