By Beatrice Oppon
The Accra High Court has directed a former Deputy Director of Communications of the NDC, Anthony Kwaku Boahen, to prepare to open his defence on May 30.
The directive follows the continuous absence of the party’s former National Chairman, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, who is said to have undergone surgery outside the jurisdiction.
The two are standing trial for allegedly conspiring to cause harm to the Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission and the National Peace Council in an alleged leaked tape. They have both been charged with conspiracy to cause harm. Mr Ofosu Ampofo has also been charged with two counts of assault on a public officer.
Mr Ofosu Ampofo was expected to open his defence on Thursday, but his lawyer, Tony Lithur, informed the Court that he is still recovering from the surgery and is expected back in the country by the third week of May 2024.
The Court raised concern about the delay of the trial due to the absence of Mr Ofosu-Ampofo since last November. To avoid further delay, Justice Samuel Asiedu directed Mr Boahen to open his defence. His counsel, Dr Abdul Bassit Aziz Bamba, however, prayed to the court for indulgence. He told the court that the matter must be heard in the presence of Mr Ofosu-Ampofo.
The Court adjourned to May 30, 2024, with a caution that it will proceed to hear Mr Boahen if Mr Ofosu-Ampofo remains unavailable.
The prosecution has closed its case after calling three witnesses.
