The push by former Chief Executive of the Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF), Daniel Duku to escape possible jail term by refunding GH¢15million to the State has been rejected once again.
Justice Anthony Oppong said the court is not impressed with the plan to refund the money to the state by paying in bits.
Mr.Duku and two others accused of causing financial loss to the state have been engaging the Attorney General’s office to jointly refund GH¢20million.
The two other accused persons are Irene Anti-Mensah, who was his Executive Assistant at the VCTF, and Frank Aboagye Mensah, Anti-Mensah’s husband. The three accused persons wanted to plead guilty to a total of about 42 charges levelled against them and make amends by paying the money they allegedly took from the state, in line with Section 35 of the Courts Act, 1993 (Act 459).
The court had earlier rejected the proposal saying it does not conform to the requirement of the law. He directed that they work on a new deal and submit to the court.
Justice Oppong had pointed out that on the face of the agreement, there was no indication that the accused persons fully understood what they had signed.
He said the agreement was basically a plea bargain and, therefore, the accused persons must be made aware of the charges which would be dropped against them, whether the prosecution, as a compromise, would drop other charges, the fact that they would not have a right to appeal, among other issues.
At the hearing of the case on Monday, Justice was Oppong was informed of a payment plan spanning three months that will see the three refund GH¢20milion.
Justice Oppong said this was totally unacceptable and the court would exercise its rights to reject the deal.
He directed that trial will proceed; fixing July 3 for the case management conference.
Latest Stories
-
3 Central Region MCEs intensify cholera control efforts after 5 deaths
2 mins -
Bawumia’s 12 ‘Bold Steps’ to expand educational opportunities for all
3 mins -
Mahama criticises NPP for accumulating energy debt to pass on to next NDC gov’t
4 mins -
Agromonti empowers Techiman farmers with sustainable agriculture training in CSR event
9 mins -
Ghanaians deserve certificates for enduring hardship under NPP – Mahama
9 mins -
AG’s office needs 1,500 public attorneys for proper discharge of functions – Godfred Dame
11 mins -
Court sentences man to life imprisonment for murdering girlfriend; daughter
26 mins -
Bawumia’s $80 bn value claim for Spotify, false – Dubawa
37 mins -
GBA President calls for transparent and fair December election
52 mins -
November 8 not a public holiday – Interior Ministry
54 mins -
Policies the Church can promote to ensure every birth by a congregant is wanted, not unintended
57 mins -
Next NPP government to build new AG offices in all regions – Godfred Dame
1 hour -
Why corporate leadership can no longer be silent on sustainability
1 hour -
The Keeper’s Music unveils Neyty with new single ‘Most High God’
1 hour -
Bawumia outlines 8 initiatives to create 4 million jobs for youth if elected president
2 hours