Three weeks ago, this paper carried the banner headline: "Mystery of $2.5bn Loan to Ghana under P/NDC" making it absolutely clear that the facts of the case before the Fast Track High court, as stated by the plaintiff, had the potential of uncovering the biggest financial scandal in the history of this country.

Under the leadership of Flt Lt Rawlings, a $2.5bn loan package was arranged between the Government of Ghana and a private source, Hong Kong Trust, according to the Statement of Claim of Messrs Van Kirksey & Associates. This claim has not been disputed by defendants, Egbert Adjeso and his company.

Also there is an allegation in the writ that the first instalment of $1 billion was transferred for the apparent benefit of Ghana but could not be traced because of fraudulent conversion of all the documents on the loan.

Today, The Statesman can further report that Paul Victor Obeng, the de facto prime minister during the first term of the National Democratic Congress, has been joined as a co-defendant in the case. The Bank of Ghana has also been served as the fourth defendant.

An affidavit attached to 'the motion of notice for an order for joinder', filed last Tuesday, states that "documents in correspondence between the Plaintiff Company and Paul Victor Obeng then Adviser on Government Affairs at the Castle, Osu between 1993-1995 clearly show that he must be joined to this action so that the matter can be determined once and for all."

It adds, "That in his letter No OP/SCR A. 14/52 dated 24th June 1993 [P V Obeng] advised that the Plaintiffs 'should feel free to revert to him WHEN YOUR FINALLY DECIDE TO 'PLAY BALL." The Statesman has a copy of the said letter.

On December 4, the Fast Track Court directed for a date of hearing to be fixed.