I will discharge Nyantakyi if you don’t call your witness to testify – Judge warns

Former Ghana Football Association President Kwasi Nyantakyi has been given notice that the High Court judge Justice Marie Louise Simmons will discharge him if the state fails to initiate its case.

Derrick Ackah-Nyamike, an assistant state attorney, had earlier informed the court that the state was unable to call its first witness at this time.

On May 17, 2023, the court established the terms under which Anas Aremyaw, the primary witness for the state, would testify.

Before entering the witness box to testify, the investigative journalist was told to present himself in the judge’s chambers so Mr. Nyantakyi may examine his face.

Mr. Anas has stated in a statement that he will not be taking advantage of this arrangement because it exposes him to several security risks.

The state’s legal team has since met with the witness, the prosecutor, Derrick Ackah-Nyamike, informed the court.

“The Republic is thinking about its legal and procedural options. We have a copy of the Court’s decision, we met the witness a few days ago, and certain issues were raised.

“I communicated this to A1’s attorney just before we entered, and the Republic would want to sincerely apologize to the court because we informed the court that we would be prepared. We sincerely ask for a date to organize our home.

Lawyers for Baffuor Gyawu Bonsu Ashia, who is representing Mr. Nyantakyi, expressed concerns. He emphasized that because of the trial’s existing secrecy, preparations are particularly challenging.

He emphasized that the state has not even said which witness it will call to the stand at the subsequent date.

Charles Puozing, who represents Abdulai Alhassan, the other defendant, urged the court to acquit the two defendants.

My client lives in Tamale, which presents a challenge. Even if he must return, doing so would be extremely dangerous and expensive if he must travel by plane. I hope and pray that the accused will not be punished.

“They serve us with a hearing notice whenever the state is prepared. This case has been on the docket for four years, and you are the third judge. Every adjournment in the previous four years has been requested by the prosecution, he said.

Should this pattern continue, Justice Simmons gave notice that the accused would be released.

The matter has gone through the hands of two additional judges and been postponed numerous times. Given that the decision based on one of the witnesses’ statements was made at the most recent adjourned date, I would give you one more adjournment to bring a witness or have the accused released.

Mr. Ackah-Nyamike gave the court his word that the state will clean house.

The trial is set for July 25, 2023.

Source: Mynewsghana.com