Two businessmen have appeared before a Kumasi Circuit Court for allegedly issuing dud cheques valued at GH¢88,680 to an agro-chemical company, Enapa Ventures.

This was to cover the payment of a quantity of herbicides they bought from the company. Benjamin Nortey and Desmond Appiah are charged with conspiracy and issuing of dud cheques, whilst Nortey is facing an additional charge of fictitious trading.

They pleaded not guilty and were remanded into prison custody to re-appear on Friday, December 21.

Their accomplice, whose name was given as Francis Akpene, is however, on the run.

Police Chief Inspector Sylvester D'Almeida told the court, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Amo-Yartey, that the complainant, Michael Amaning, is the Marketing Officer of Enapa Ventures at Asokwa, Kumasi. Nortey lives at Kasoa while Appiah resides at Afienya.

About two months ago, the two, together with Akpene, approached the complainant and expressed interest in buying a quantity of herbicides - Confidor and K-Optimal - from the company. It was arranged that the products should be delivered to a store they are operating at Obuasi.

The complainant supplied the herbicides as agreed, and the accused issued the cheques covering the products. The cheques were dishonored when presented to the bank, because there was no money in the accounts.

The two managed to pay GH¢13,000 and went into hiding. Amaning then made a formal report to the police leading to their arrest.