Prosecution calls sixth witness in MV Benjamin Case
Gilbert Boyefio
13/03/2007
The Harbour Master of the Takoradi Port and Harbour Authority, Captain James Owusu Koranteng, has told a Fast Track High Court that it is not likely that the MV Benjamin vessel went out on to the high seas after departing from the Tema harbour.
He said this whilst giving evidence to the court in the trial of Joseph Kojo Dawson, owner of the MV Benjamin alleged to have transported 77 parcels of cocaine into Ghana, and five others for their roles in the missing cocaine at Tema.
Captain Koranteng, who was the sixth prosecution witness in the case, told the court that as part of his duties as the Harbour Master no vessel leaves or enters the harbour without his knowledge. He said that in October, 2005, Dashment, agents for the MV Benjamin, informed the harbour of the ship's intention to berth in the harbour for repairs. He noted that the vessel movement card of the MV Benjamin indicates that they would be heading towards the high seas from whence they had come after the repairs.
When asked by Counsel if it is possible that the MV Benjamin passed through the high seas before coming to Tema, Captain Koranteng said that economically it is not possible for a vessel leaving the Takoradi harbour to Tema to go beyond 12 nautical miles to sea, unless there is an emergency. "I do not think the ship will go wandering about?, he added.
He entered into evidence receipts paid by Dashment on behalf of the MV Benjamin for pre-funding (an amount paid before allowing a vessel to enter the harbour) and the supply of fresh water and power to the vessel.
During cross examination, Captain Koranteng said as a rule the port does not deal with owners of vessels or just any shipping agents but with licensed shipping agents of the port. He further stated that the port does not check who owns the vessels and therefore if the ownership is changed they are not in a position to know.
The case has been adjourned until March 20, 2007.
13/03/2007
The Harbour Master of the Takoradi Port and Harbour Authority, Captain James Owusu Koranteng, has told a Fast Track High Court that it is not likely that the MV Benjamin vessel went out on to the high seas after departing from the Tema harbour.
He said this whilst giving evidence to the court in the trial of Joseph Kojo Dawson, owner of the MV Benjamin alleged to have transported 77 parcels of cocaine into Ghana, and five others for their roles in the missing cocaine at Tema.
Captain Koranteng, who was the sixth prosecution witness in the case, told the court that as part of his duties as the Harbour Master no vessel leaves or enters the harbour without his knowledge. He said that in October, 2005, Dashment, agents for the MV Benjamin, informed the harbour of the ship's intention to berth in the harbour for repairs. He noted that the vessel movement card of the MV Benjamin indicates that they would be heading towards the high seas from whence they had come after the repairs.
When asked by Counsel if it is possible that the MV Benjamin passed through the high seas before coming to Tema, Captain Koranteng said that economically it is not possible for a vessel leaving the Takoradi harbour to Tema to go beyond 12 nautical miles to sea, unless there is an emergency. "I do not think the ship will go wandering about?, he added.
He entered into evidence receipts paid by Dashment on behalf of the MV Benjamin for pre-funding (an amount paid before allowing a vessel to enter the harbour) and the supply of fresh water and power to the vessel.
During cross examination, Captain Koranteng said as a rule the port does not deal with owners of vessels or just any shipping agents but with licensed shipping agents of the port. He further stated that the port does not check who owns the vessels and therefore if the ownership is changed they are not in a position to know.
The case has been adjourned until March 20, 2007.
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