Awagasi to fight charges

MOROBE provincial cabinet secretary Galang Awagasi says he is ready to face allegations levelled against him and prove his innocence in court.
Awagasi made the statement following his arrest last Tuesday by a Task Force Sweep Team from Port Moresby.
He has been charged with official corruption, conspiracy, forgery and uttering a false document.
Awagasi is alleged to have colluded with two other provincial government staff members in misappropriating K1.3 million for provincial executive council-approved projects namely the Gario Coffee Growers Association – K400,000, Tami Island Fishing Project – K600,000, Yabem District Wokman Trust – K50,000 and Morobe Provincial Sports Council – K288,372.
The cheques had been printed by the division of finance but were held back when queried by provincial administrator Kemas Tomala.
Awagasi said this was the first time he had been accused of misuse in his 29 years as cabinet secretary.