A law lecturer at the Central University has defended the delay in the release of the autopsy report on late Major Maxwell Adam Mahama by the management of the 37 Military Hospital.

Yaw Oppong said the Hospital is being "cautious" because of the national debate the grisly murder of the senior military in May triggered.

He believes management at 37 Military Hospital wants to be double sure the report that will come out will be credible and a true reflection of what was found.

Speaking to Evans Mensah on Joy FM’s Newsnight Tuesday, he said, “right from the beginning, in the minds of those who believe are innocent especially those who think they haven’t caused any offence and their lawyer to be exercising some caution if not doubt.”

His comments follow reports that the autopsy report on the late Major has still not been made available to police investigators, four months after his death.

Yaw Oppong

The army officer was slain on May 29, by some residents of Denkyira Obuasi in the Central Region, on the suspicion that he was an armed robber.

About 23 people are currently standing trial for the murder of the late army officer.

Joy News’ Joseph Ackah-Blay was in court and reported State Prosecutor, DSP George Amegah registered his dissatisfaction with the absence of the report.

Some of the suspects

The prosecutor said the report was central to the case, forcing the state to file an application for an order to have the report produced.

Magistrate Ebenezer Kweku Ansah granted the request and directed the report should be handed to the Police investigators on or before October 26.

The pathologist who handled the autopsy Dr Lawrence Adusei and the Head of the 37 Military Hospital's Pathology Department has been summoned to appear before the court.

Some of the suspect

But commenting on the delay, Mr Oppong said, “I rather sympathise with the military that is why they are careful. For all, you know they may even be getting either external or other independent experts to confirm their report.”

“I won’t be surprised that if they send it, the lawyers for the accused will ask the court to appoint an independent expert to also bring a report,” he said.

He said four months may not amount to delay but it is reasonable since others take many years.

Although he believes the orders of the court must be respected, “they should not also feel compelled to come out with just any report. If they think they need more time, it is reasonable enough to come to court ask for further limited time.”