The Aggrieved Menzgold Customers have formally requested daily court sittings in the ongoing trial of the Chief Executive Officer of the defunct gold dealership, Nana Appiah Mensah (NAM 1).
Spokesperson for the group, Fred Forson stated that the case has dragged on for far too long, leaving many members exhausted and disillusioned.
He argued that a daily hearing schedule would expedite the legal process and bring much-needed finality to the matter, eventually allowing those with locked-up funds to be reimbursed.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Forson shared some statistics regarding the group’s members.
The number of members who have passed away since the Menzgold crisis began has risen to over 250.
Many other members are currently battling serious illnesses without the financial means to afford medical support.
Despite the frustrations, Mr Forson expressed confidence in the court’s ability to resolve the matter.
He noted that Nana Appiah Mensah had been asked to enter into plea bargaining arrangements, which would require him to detail his plan for repaying the affected customers. The group remains hopeful that he will abide by these requirements.
“The next adjourned date is long. Soon we will be in July, and the court will be going on their next vacation. That is why I appealed to the court to consider daily sitting. The case is moving too slow.”
“More than 250 members have lost their lives over the years due to the distress caused by the non-payment of our investments. Consequently, we humbly request that the court consider conducting daily sessions to expedite the conclusion of the case. The prolonged period of uncertainty, anxiety, and suffering we have endured is unbearable. We urgently desire a resolution to this case so that we may recover our investments. This is our primary concern.”
Latest Court Update
The Chief Executive Officer of Menzgold Ghana, Nana Appiah Mensah, testified under cross-examination at the Accra High Court that his company held valid licences for gold mining, purchasing, and export activities. He is facing 39 charges, including selling gold without a licence and money laundering.
When requested to provide evidence of these licences, Mensah indicated that he would produce the relevant documents at the next scheduled hearing.
Mr Mensah explained that following the shutdown of his company by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the takeover of its offices by the Economic and Organised Crime Office, numerous documents were no longer readily accessible, potentially impacting his ability to access crucial evidence in his defence.
The court subsequently directed Mensah to submit his witness statement, with the case adjourned to February 19.
The prosecution emphasised the necessity of filing a written witness statement to ensure the trial’s smooth progression. Justice Sedinam Awo Kwadam instructed Mensah’s legal team to comply with the directive before the next hearing.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
