Tema, Jan. 21, GNA - A truck driver and his mate who diverted 600 bags of imported rice from Tema to a warehouse in Kumasi, have appeared before Tema circuit court "A" on charges of conspiracy to steal and stealing.

A third accused is on the run, while a fourth person has been charged with dishonestly receiving.

Emmanuel Cudjoe Pascal, driver, Rexford Anane Tsivanyo, driver's mate, and Alhaji Mumudu Edwards, a trader pleaded not guilty and each was granted 100 million cedis bail with a surety to be justified. They will reappear on January 27, 2004.

Chief Inspector Mary Asunta, prosecuting, told the court, presided over by Mr Charles Asiedu that on August 10, 2003, Pascal, Tsivanyo and Awudu introduced themselves to Mr George Adede Adams, owner of the rice and asked him if he had goods to be conveyed to any part of the country. Mr Adams replied in the affirmative and agreed that the accused persons cart 600 bags of rice to Kumasi the next day, August 11, 2003. Inspector Asunta said on that day (August 11), the accused persons brought a vehicle bearing registration number GR 4741 K to the warehouse at Community Nine about 1130 hours and loaded 600 bags of rice with way bill directing them to discharge the goods at the old GNTC at Adum, Kumasi.

The prosecutor said shortly after taking off with the rice, the accused persons diverted their course to the Timber market in Accra and discharged the consignment to Alhaji Edwards.

The court heard that, when all efforts to trace the goods failed, a report was made to the Community One police.

Inspector Asunta said on September nine, two of the drivers were arrested with the vehicle at the Tema Harbour.

Later on September 27, police escorted Pascal to the Timber market and he identified the warehouse where he and his accomplices discharged the 600 bags of rice.

The court heard that the trucker also identified Alhaji Edwards as the recipient of the rice.