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Court orders Anas to testify in open court in Kwesi Nyantakyi trial, former GFA boss to see his face
The Accra High Court has ordered investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas to testify in open court in the trial of former Ghana Football Association President, Kwesi Nyantakyi.
However, the court, presided over by Justice Marie Louise Simmons, would allow Anas to disguise himself during his testimony.
Again, per the ruling of the court, Mr Nyantakyi will have the opportunity to see Anas’ face in chambers before he testifies in open court.
Justice Simmons gave the ruling today following an application by the prosecution for Anas to testify in camera.
Lawyers for Mr Nyantakyi opposed the application and urged the court to rather allow Anas to testify in open court with his face showing.
In her ruling today, Justice Simmons granted the application in part and held that Anas had been seen in public wearing his beads as a mask and therefore there was nothing wrong with him testifying in public with his beads mask on.
Credit: Graphiconline
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Isaac Batsa, the constituency secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the news, which has shocked the local political community.
Mr.Awuku praised the late NDC secretary for his bipartisan approach to local governance.
He noted that despite their different political affiliations, Batsa consistently rose above party lines to serve the constituency with diligence.
The MP revealed that the news was particularly shocking given that he had last interacted with Batsa just three days prior on Saturday.
Concluding his statement, Sammy Awuku extended his heartfelt condolences to Batsa’s family, the constituency and regional executives, and the entire NDC fraternity, wishing the deceased peaceful eternal rest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
