The Police have petitioned an Accra Circuit Court to reassess the bail conditions of Esther Ofori, one of three individuals accused of misappropriating GH¢328,221 from a church credit union, citing concerns over her potential flight risk.
Superintendent of Police Augustus Yirenkyi highlighted Esther Ofori's relocation to Kumasi instead of Accra, which, according to the prosecution, raised uncertainties regarding her adherence to bail conditions tied to Accra.
Furthermore, the prosecution requested Esther to furnish the court with her medical report for consideration. In response, Mr. Michael Tetteh, the defense counsel for the accused, assured the court that Esther would provide her medical report by March 19, 2024, as she was currently undergoing treatment.
During the court proceedings presided over by Mrs. Kizita Naa Koowa Quashie, it was reiterated that Esther must appear in court, and the defense counsel should reiterate their plea on March 19, 2024.
Previously, the court had instructed the defence counsel to ensure Esther Ofori's presence, who was absent during the court session. The other two accused individuals are Joseph Acheampong, a Consultant/Manager, and Kenneth Osei-Ansong, a Recovery Officer, all affiliated with the Christian Pentecostal Church (CPC).
The trio faces charges of conspiracy to steal and stealing, to which they have pleaded not guilty and are currently out on bail.
Meanwhile, the court proceeded with the testimony of Apostle Daniel Obeng, the first prosecution witness, who confirmed his familiarity with the accused individuals and filed a complaint against them. Apostle Obeng's witness statement, dated June 22, 2022, was admitted into evidence by the court.
Under cross-examination, Apostle Obeng refuted allegations of providing a gift to the Police and denied any involvement in such actions.
The prosecution's case centers on allegations that Joseph Acheampong, upon joining CPC in 2015, convinced the church to establish a credit union, subsequently employing Esther Ofori and Kenneth Osei-Ansong. However, depositors' attempts to retrieve their funds in 2018 prompted a police investigation, revealing discrepancies in the credit union's operations.
Joseph Acheampong has maintained innocence, attributing the credit union's challenges to liquidity difficulties.
The case has been adjourned to March 19, 2024, for further proceedings.
