You’ll be prosecuted in same measure in the future – Tsatsu Tsikata ‘threatens’ AG with jail in future

On Thursday, July 6, 2023, when veteran attorney and counsel for Assin North MP, Tsatsu Tsikata, moved his plea for a stay of proceedings in the ongoing criminal trial of the MP (Gyakye Quayson), there was an interesting spectacle in court.

The MP for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, was going through similar circumstances to those that Tsatsu Tsikata had gone through in 2008 that resulted in his conviction by an Accra High Court, Tsatsu Tsikata claimed in his affidavit in support of his application.

He further argued that the actions of the present Attorney General were comparable to those of President Nana Akufo-Addo, who served as Ghana’s Attorney General from 2001 to 2003.

The current Attorney General was then impliedly and ominously threatened with prosecution in the same manner in the future, in the event that power changed hands at the polls during the 2024 elections or at a later date.
Therefore, Tsatsu Tsikata argued that what he was asking the High Court for was for the future benefit of not just his client but also others like Godfred Dame and other NPP officials.

Godfred Dame’s response

An uproar of laughs and grins filled the courtroom as the Attorney-General, Godfred Dame, stood to his feet to oppose Mr. Tsikata’s motion. He quickly addressed Mr. Tsikata’s threats and insinuations.

AG Godfred Dame stated “Indeed, I sympathise with your (Mr. Tsikata’s) experience when you found yourself in jail in 2008. Listening to my learned friend, I can tell that he is still reeling under the shock of his conviction in 2003. But whilst sympathizing with you, I can assure you that I will not conduct myself in a way that will land me in prison, like you did.”

Godfred Dame then proceeded to ask the court in a rhetorical manner, of what relevance was Mr Tsikata’s experience in 2008, 15 years before 2023, to this trial currently pending before the court? “It is again an attempt to divert the court’s attention to irrelevant matters and must not be tolerated.” Mr Dame stated.
The trial judge Mary Yanzu will rule on the application for stay of proceedings on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

Source: Mynewsghana.com