Businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome has turned down an invitation by the Public Accounts Committee to appear before it on Monday. The committee was hoping the National Democratic Congress financier will assist with investigations into judgement debt payment to him but Woyome through his lawyers has declined the invitation. He is standing trial for a 51 million cedis judgement debt government says it wrongfully paid to him. On Monday, Joy News’ Sammy Darko intercepted a letter from the lawyers of Woyome explaining why their client will not appear before the committee. The letter read in part: “We are instructed by our client Alfred Agbesie Woyome to inform you of his inability to appear before your committee to assist in its deliberations on the payment of judgement debt compensation to some individuals and institutions as contained in your letter under reference. “Our client is presently facing two counts of defrauding by false pretense and willfully causing financial loss contrary to specified provisions of the criminal offences. “Besides the Attorney General has commenced an action at the High Court Commercial division Accra seeking to set aside the earlier consent judgement of the court that awarded him the amount paid by the government on the grounds of fraud. “As you might be aware Martin Amidu the former Attorney General whose outburst on the matter is unparalleled has also filed a suit in respect of the same matter at the Supreme Court against our client and three other persons.” The lawyers say because of these reasons, Alfred Agbesie Woyome will not be able to appear before the Committee on Monday as requested. Meanwhile, lawyers for Woyome on Monday subjected former Sports Minister Osafo Maafo to a marathon cross examination. The cross examination, according to Darko lasted for well over three hours, with lawyers accusing the former NPP government of side stepping the Procurement procedures to award a new contract to a Chinese company, Shangai. They claim Woyome’s companies Vamed and M-Powapak were in line to be awarded the contract but the then government stampeded the process and brought in Shangai. They also disputed claims by the prosecution witness that the government by awarding the contract to the Chinese company saved the country a lot of money. Osafo Maafo however insisted cabinet under the Kufuor administration took the decision in the best interest of the country. He said Vamed and M-Powapak failed to meet the condition precedent of providing funds for the project which forced government to look elsewhere. The case has been adjourned to Wednesday July 25.