Accra, April 12, GNA - Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, Former First Lady and seven ex-public officials on Wednesday appeared before an Accra Fast Track High Court in connection with the divestiture of Nsawam Cannery.

Their charges were not read to them neither was their plea taken. Nana Konadu, who is also the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Carridem Development Company Limited (CDC), is to answer charges of conspiracy, causing financial loss to public body, intentionally causing loss to public property and obtaining pubic property by a false statement.

Others to answer similar charges include Sherry Ayittey, Managing Director CDC; Georgina Okaiteye, Director/General Manager CDC; George Mould, a Director CDC; Larry Adjetey, Director-Secretary of CDC and CDC.

They were alleged to have failed to pay interest accrued on an outstanding balance of 2,514,861,400 amounting to 264,060,447 to DIC in respect of the sale of the GIHOC Nsawam Cannery. Emmanuel Amuzu Agbodo, Former Executive Secretary of the DIC, Thomas Benson Owusu, Former Accountant, DIC, are also to face charges of conspiracy and stealing.

Mr Ayikoi Otoo, Attorney General and his team of Senior Attorneys represented the State while the defence team included Mr Tony Lithur, Major R. S. Agbenator, Nana Ato Dadzie and Nana Adjei Ampofo. Mr Ayikoi Otoo prayed the court to take the accused persons' plea, but the court, presided over Mr Justice Baffoe Bonney, drew the attention of the Prosecution to the fact that some of the accused persons had not been served.

They were Benson, Ms Okaitey and Larry Adjetey.

The court said since accused persons had been jointly charged it would be proper to serve them all so that their plea could be taken and accordingly adjourned the case to May 5 2006.

There was heavy security presence at the court, led by Assistant Commissioners of Police Kofi Boakye and Jonathan Yakubu. The Police had a hectic time controlling the crowd and the personnel had to hold hands to pave way for the entry of Former President Jerry John Rawlings, who accompanied his wife. Some National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters wearing red bands trooped to the court. They sang, drummed and danced in solidarity with the accused persons.