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

Justice Marie Louise Simmons, a High Court Judge, has issued a notice stating that she will discharge former Ghana Football Association President Kwasi Nyantakyi if the state fails to present its case.

This decision came after Assistant State Attorney Derrick Ackah-Nyamike informed the court that the state was unable to call its first witness at this stage.

On May 17, 2023, the court had established conditions for the testimony of the state’s key witness, Anas Aremyaw, an investigative journalist. The court ordered Anas to make himself available in the judge’s chambers for Mr. Kwasi Nyantakyi to inspect his face before testifying.

However, Anas has expressed concerns about this arrangement, citing security threats, and has stated that he will not be present.

Ackah-Nyamike informed the court that the state’s legal team had recently met with the witness to address the concerns raised. He stated that the Republic was considering its legal and procedural options in light of the situation. The prosecutor apologized to the court for the unpreparedness and requested a new date to put their house in order.

Nyantakyi’s lawyers, represented by Baffuor Gyawu Bonsu Ashia, raised concerns about the secrecy surrounding the trial, making preparations difficult. They also noted that the state had failed to indicate which witness it would call to the stand on the next date.

Charles Puozing, the representative for the other accused person, Abdulai Alhassan, urged the court to discharge both accused persons. He highlighted the logistical difficulties and expenses involved for his client, who resides in Tamale.

In response, Justice Simmons expressed her frustration with the delays in the case, which had been pending for four years and had been adjourned multiple times at the prosecution’s request. She granted one more adjournment to allow the state to call a witness or discharge the accused.

Ackah-Nyamike assured the court that the state would rectify the situation and put its house in order. The case is scheduled to resume on July 25, 2023.

Source – myjoyonline.com