News
Mahama Ayariga trial: State’s first witness absent from court
The trial of Bawku Central Member of Parliament (MP), Mahama Ayariga, could not commence at an Accra high court due to the absence of the state’s first witness.
A prosecutor at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Michael Baafi, on Monday, informed the court that it intended to file a subpoena to force the witness to show up.
Mr Ayariga has been charged with using his public office for private gain by the Special Prosecutor, Mr Martin Amidu.
The MP has also been accused of tax evasion in the clearance of vehicles and illegal transfer of foreign exchange from Ghana to Dubai without having the required licence to undertake such transaction.
But, Mr Ayariga has maintained he was innocent, and accused the Special Prosecutor of unfairly targeting him.
The case has been on hold for months due to the challenge of Mr Amidu’s eligibility at the Supreme Court.
With that case out of the way, the trial was to commence on Monday, but Mr Baafi informed the court presided by Justice Afia Asare Botwe that he last communicated with the witness on Saturday.
He said he had arranged accommodation for the witness who was traveling from the Upper East Region.
Mr Baafi said the witness had informed him he was at the bus terminal preparing to come to Accra, but he has since not been able to reach the witness; prompting the OSP to consider a subpoena.
The case has been adjourned to October 13, by the court.
Source: Ghanaian Times
The MP for Old Tafo, Vincent Assafuah, has criticised what he describes as an attempt by the President to influence the work of Parliament in the ongoing debate over the future of the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
On his facebook post in response to recent developments, Assafuah argued that those who previously claimed he did not understand the separation of powers must now reconsider their position.
He noted that the current situation shows the President trying to direct Parliamentarians on how to carry out their duties, a move he believes challenges the very principles those critics defended.
Assafuah urged the President to restrain the Deputy Attorney General, Justice Sai, following the widespread public backlash over moves linked to the possible scrapping of the OSP.
He stressed that the case currently before the court should be withdrawn, describing it as unnecessary.
He referenced Section 4 of the OSP Act, explaining that all prosecutions by the Office of the Special Prosecutor must be authorised by the Attorney General, whose powers he described as sacrosanct.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Presidency has addressed a social media report claiming that some visiting African American tourists were approached by people pretending to be police officers.
In a statement, the office noted that such information can cause fear among visitors, especially those travelling from the diaspora during the festive season.
It assured the public that Ghana treats all reports concerning the safety of travellers with urgency.
According to the statement, the Ghana Police Service and the Cyber Security Authority have begun a full investigation to verify the story and identify anyone involved.
The office emphasised that thousands of visitors arrive in the country at this time of year, and every traveller deserves to feel safe and respected.
The Diaspora Affairs Office reaffirmed Ghana’s reputation as a peaceful and welcoming destination.
It added that all security and intelligence agencies are working together to ensure the country remains a trusted and enjoyable place for visitors exploring its culture, heritage and beauty.
The update was issued by Kofi Okyere Darko, Director of Diaspora Affairs.
By: Jacob Aggrey
