Audio By Carbonatix
A former Goldman Sachs banker, Ellias Preko, who has been ordered by a UK court to pay back £7.3million or face 10 years more in jail, says he used a chunk of the money to fund his campaign as NPP candidate.
Preko, who represented himself, told the court in a previous hearing that, much of the cash had been spent on election campaigning back in his native country, Ghana.
The 60-year-old said he had run as a candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) back in the mid-2000s.
Preko explained that Ghana is predominantly a cash-based society and that few receipts exist for his campaign spending, the DailyMail has reported.
He is reported to have said that “Most of the expenses are not receipted.”
“Ghanaian political activities are not financed by the state,” he added.
The Harvard graduate used his 'expertise and veneer of respectability' to help former Governor of Nigerian state, James Ibori, to launder money out of that country.
He was jailed for four and a half years back in 2013 for his role in the scheme.
Judge David Tomlison ordered Preko to pay back £7,324.268.41 following a confiscation hearing.
Preko has three months to repay the money or face another 10 years in jail.
“There is a different concept of work there, the difference being everything is cash.
“Most of the time, people who donate money they donate it to two or more parties and hedge their bets.
“The candidate himself will want to distribute money to targeted areas for food and clothes.”
Preko told the court how he had many political contacts in Ghana. His father-in-law who was a former cabinet minister helped him run for parliament.
James Ibori, the former governor of a Nigerian state, who was jailed in 2012 for 13 years at Southwark Crown Court, London, after admitting fraud totalling nearly £50 million
“There is a different concept of work there, the difference being everything is cash.
“Most of the time, people who donate money they donate it to two or more parties and hedge their bets.
“The candidate himself will want to distribute money to targeted areas for food and clothes.”
Preko told the court how he had many political contacts in Ghana. His father-in-law who was a former cabinet minister helped him run for parliament.
James Ibori, the former governor of a Nigerian state, who was jailed in 2012 for 13 years at Southwark Crown Court, London, after admitting fraud totalling nearly £50 millionDISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Kpasec 2003 Year Group hosts garden party to rekindle bonds and inspire legacy giving
1 hour -
Financing barriers slowing microgrid expansion in Ghana -Energy Minister
1 hour -
Ghana’s Ambassador to Italy Mona Quartey presents Letters of Credence to Pres. Mattarella
2 hours -
KOSA 2003 Year Group unveils GH¢10m classroom project at fundraising event
2 hours -
Woman found dead at Dzodze
4 hours -
Bridging Blight and Opportunity: Mark Tettey Ayumu’s role in Baltimore’s vacant property revival and workforce innovation
4 hours -
Court blocks Blue Gold move as investors fight alleged plot to strip shareholder rights
4 hours -
Nana Aba Anamoah rates Mahama’s performance
4 hours -
Ghana selects Bryant University as World Cup base camp
5 hours -
Nana Aba Anamoah names Doreen Andoh and Kwasi Twum as her dream interviewees
5 hours -
Religious Affairs Minister urges Christians to embrace charity and humility as Lent begins
7 hours -
Religious Affairs Minister calls for unity as Ramadan begins
7 hours -
Willie Colón, trombonist who pioneered salsa music, dies aged 75
7 hours -
Ga Mantse discharged from UGMC following Oti Region accident
8 hours -
Guardiola tells team to chill with cocktails as Man City pile pressure on Arsenal
8 hours
