Accra (Greater Accra) 13 Aug. ?99

Mr Steve Larbi, a free-lance journalist, on Thursday told a circuit court that he believed the story published in 1996 by the New York-based African Observer that the Government was dealing in drugs.

Mr Larbi, a defence witness, was giving evidence for Kofi Coomson, Editor-in-Chief of the Ghanaian Chronicle, who is charged with making a publication likely to injure the reputation of the government.

Coomson in 1996 wrote in his paper that the "NDC Government" was dealing in drugs and that it was using the proceeds to purchase arms and ammunition that it would use to destabilise the country if it lost the 1996 general elections.

On trial with him on the same charge is Eben Quarcoo, former Editor of the "Free Press".

Led in evidence by defence counsel, Mr Akoto Ampaw, witness said he was with the Chronicle when the paper made the publication that was culled from the African Observer.

Mr Larbi said he was a member of the investigation team that made contacts with relevant institutions and persons to find out the authenticity of the story in the Observer.

He said he telephoned Frank Benneh, a former diplomat in Geneva and who was mentioned in the story as an agent for the Government.

Witness said when he could not get Mr Benneh he contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but did not say what he was told.

Cross-examined by Mr Martin Amidu, Deputy Attorney - General, Mr Larbi insisted that there was an investigation team.

Witness said he read most of the evidence given by Coomson in the papers and it was he (Coomson), who told him to come and give evidence.

When it was suggested to him that Coomson did not mention in his evidence that he (witness) was a member of an investigation team, Mr Larbi said he was mentioned.

Hearing continues on Monday, August 16.