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Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu, a former Chief Director of the Ministry of Works and Housing, was wheeled into court to face 43 criminal charges related to the Saglemi Housing case. The High Court in Accra had ordered his appearance within 48 hours to address the charges. The case involves other individuals, including Alhaji Collins Dauda (former Minister for Works and Housing), Kweku Ageman Mensah (former Minister for Works and Housing), Andrew Clocanas (Executive Chairman of Construction OAS Ghana Limited), and Nouvi Tetteh Angelo. They were indicted on August 5, 2021, on 52 counts, which included allegations of causing financial loss to the state.
Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu, who was in poor health, was transported from Yendi in the Northern Region to Accra and brought to the High Court in a wheelchair, per the court’s order. During the proceedings, he pleaded not guilty to all charges, explaining that his health had hindered his attendance at previous trials, resulting in the delay in entering his plea. Despite his appeal, he requested the trial proceed in his absence due to his health condition.
This request triggered a heated debate between the prosecution, led by Hilda Craig, and Alhaji Yakubu’s counsel, Godwin Tamekloe. Ultimately, the presiding judge, Justice Dr. Ernest Owusu Dapaah, approved the application for the trial to proceed in absentia. The case was adjourned until June 12, 2023, and the prosecution was instructed to prepare their remaining witnesses and file their witness statements accordingly.
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Source: Omanghana.com
