The Ghana Police Command on Thursday apologised to Finatrade Group of Companies for wrongfully arresting and detaining three of the company's staff members for unlawful importation of narcotic drugs through the Tema Harbour. "The Ghana Police service hereby makes an unqualified retraction of the false accusation made against the said Group of Companies, their Directors and Employees." The apology was contained in a press release signed on behalf of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kwesi Ofori, Director of Public Affairs of the Police Command and copied to Ghana News Agency (GNA). It said on December, 2006, Mohammed Salami, Michael Ayache and Isaac Quansah were accused of importing unlawful narcotic drugs and subsequently remanded in custody. The three employees spent the Christmas holidays behind bars until January 12, 2007 when they were discharged by an Accra Circuit court after the prosecutor had withdrawn the criminal charge against them. The release said: "The service will like to put on record that the publicity of the false accusation was not intended to harm or tarnish the image or reputation of the said group of companies, their Directors and employees." It said any harm caused by the false accusation and publication was regrettable and would not be repeated. In a related development, Mr. Nabil Moukarzel, Chief Executive Officer of Market Direct, a subsidiary of Finatrade Group of Companies has commended the Police Command for the retraction and apology to the corporate entity. "Finatrade wishes to thank the Judiciary of Ghana and the entire Judiciary system and especially the Attorney-General for displaying professionalism in their work to unearth the truth in every allegation." Mr. Moukarzel told the GNA that "The last four years have been a long and painful experience for Finatrade, its employees and in particular, Michael Ayache, Mohammed Salami and Isaac Quansah who have today been vindicated". He re-affirmed Finatrade's commitment to standing out as one of Ghana's leading corporate entities and would continue to contribute to the country's economic growth, through substantial support to the Agricultural sector. Source: GNA