By Beatrice Oppon
The High Court in Accra has ordered Lawyers in the Ambulance case and all other Lawyers to desist from making comments in the media on the case as it stands to prejudice it.
Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe said situations where parties and lawyers in the case make incessant commentaries on the matter is not good for the country, the judicial system and national security.
Justice Afia Serwah Asare Botwe noted that comments in the media during the live streaming are contemptuous. She was particularly worried with commentaries from lawyers in the case and those not involved in the case.
Justice Asare-Botwe also mentioned in particular, media interviews granted by the third accused Richard Jakpa and blamed his legal representatives for not controlling him since he is not a lawyer and unaware of the consequences of his actions.
The Judge, then made the order on the media black by all persons, especially legal professionals to protect the sanctity of the Court.
During the hearing Lawyers for Mr Jakpa, who initially listed eight defence witnesses, informed the Court of a subpoena to be served on the Chief of Defense Staff, Lieutenant General, Thomas Oppong Peprah, and the Military Secretary, Air Commodore, Adu Gyamfi, to bring the number of witnesses to ten.
The witnesses include former Minister for Health, Alex Segbefia, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin and Director of Ambulance Services, Dr. Ahmed Nuhu Zakaria. Defence Lawyer Baffour Gyawu Ashia Bonsu, said the Chief of Defense Staff and the Military Secretary will be called first.
When the Court sought why there is a change in the list of witnesses to be called. Mr. Ashia Bonsu indicated that the CEO of Bigsea General Trading Company Limited has travelled to Germany on a business trip.
He said the earlier date communicated to the CEO delayed because of the time prosecution took in cross-examining Mr Jakpa.
The case has been adjourned to Thursday, July 18, 2024.