By Beatrice Oppon
The Accra High Court has refused a repeated application by MP for Assin North James Gyakye Quayson to halt his trial and refer an issue to the Supreme Court for interpretation.
His Lawyer Justin Teriwajah argued that the Prosecution has partially complied with an order to serve the MP with disclosures.
The Lawyer said the failure of the Prosecution to fully satisfy the order necessitated the Defence filing an application for further disclosures which was granted by Court.
Mr. Teriwajah submitted that the Prosecution provided more documents as ordered but left out a few with the explanation that it had no further disclosures to make.
The Defence insists that although there are outstanding documents to be served the Prosecution went ahead to press for a day-to-day hearing of the trial without recourse to Mr Quayson’s right to a fair hearing.
Mr. Teriwajah submitted that the right to a fair hearing cannot be guaranteed as long as disclosures are outstanding while the trial continues.
The Lawyer further argued that the day-to-day trial will hamper the performance of Mr Quayson’s duties as an MP.
Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, however, disagreed with the submission by the Defence. He described the application as one of the time-wasting antics of the Defence Lawyers and urged the Court to dismiss it.
Justice Mary Yanzuh after dismissing the application ordered a continuation of cross-examination of the first witness.
Mr Teriwajah, however, refused to cross-examine the witness, prompting an adjournment to Friday, July 28, 2023.
Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah said the defence has been provided with all relevant documents.
Director of Legal Affairs of the NDC Abraham Amaliba said Mr Quayson’s right to a fair trial is in doubt.
