Counsel for Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, the embattled national chairman of the National Democratic Congress, has filed an application at the Court of Appeal seeking to suspend a high court decision that admitted a witness’ statement into evidence.
Pursuant to the appeal motion at the court, the defence counsel also filed an application to stay the proceeding of the trial of the case and for the court to discontinue the case.
The court was to continue hearing the testimony of the witness yesterday, but Tony Lithur told the court there was a pending appeal filed on the previous day.
Pleas
Mr Lithur therefore pleaded with the court to adjourn proceedings to February 11 when the motion to compel the court to pause proceedings, until the Court of Appeal makes a pronouncement on the issue, is dealt with.
Yvonne Attakora Obuobisa, Director of Public Prosecution, opposed the application, arguing that nothing legally prevents the court from continuing the trial of the case.
According to her, the mere filing of an application to stay the proceedings does not warrant the halt of trial. She therefore urged the court to continue with the trial, instead of adjourning proceedings.
Justice Samuel Asiedu, who presided over the court, heard the drama between the prosecution and the defence, and settled on the decision to adjourn proceedings.
Before that, he pointed out that the copies of the documents needed for tendering and cross-examination through the witness were not available to the court.
Brief fact
Mr Ofosu Ampofo, together with a deputy communications officer of the NDC, Anthony Kwaku Boahen, is before court over a leaked tape believed to have captured how the NDC national chairman allegedly planning to commit crimes and lay blame on the governing New Patriotic Party.
The two top members of the opposition NDC are standing trial for conspiracy to assault a public officer and conspiracy to cause harm.
The case was adjourned to February 11 for the trial to continue.
