Audio By Carbonatix
An Accra High Court presided over by Justice Mary Yanzuh has ruled that the trial of NDC’s James Gyakye Quayson will be heard on daily basis starting from July 4,2023.
The court ruled that its June 16 order announcing this arrangement was within law and a case for a review had not been made.
“Adjournments are at the discretion of the court and not the convenience of parties. The order of this court was clearly in line with the law.
“No where was it demonstrated that the order was contrary to law.
“His rights have not violated by court for refusing not to give him time to campaign.
“Mere refusal of the court does not constitute denial of right to fair trial,” the judge stated.
Lawyers for Mr. Quayson had urged the court to review its order insisting he needed time to campaign ahead of the June 27 Assin North by-election.
They provided to the court documents showing statements made by the Attorney General which they insisted prejudiced the case.
Justice Yanzuh however ruled that those statements were not relevant to the issue at hand.
“None of the above grounds has been made to warrant a review. The points raised are not different from those canvassed previously.
“The only new information is the alleged prejudicial comments made by the AG. These assertions are not relevant for me to review my decision.
“Fair trial is against undue delay. It is in the interest of justice that trials are not unduly delayed.”
She thus adjourned proceedings to June 29, July 4, and added that the trial will proceed on a day to day basis afterwards.
These dates were selected due to the unavailability of the specific court room on Mondays, the June 27 By-election and the upcoming Holiday and Martyrs’ day.
Deputy Attorney General Diana Asonaba Dapaah told joynews the decision of the court is consistent with time tested principles of law.
“It sits with what we have always said that it is up to the court to decide the dates for hearing and not at the convenience of an accused person,” she stated.
Member of Mr. Quayson’s legal team Baba Jamal was also satisfied with the decision.
He told joynews the main purpose of the request was to allow him time to campaign.
“We don’t have any issues with day to day after the polls. We needed time to campaign. Even though our application has been dismissed, we are satisfied”
Latest Stories
-
CSIDT proposes 80% of GH¢350m flood budget be invested in prevention
6 minutes -
Trump threatens to target Iran’s bridges and power plants if Hormuz attacks persist
42 minutes -
Ghana not yet in digital trust crisis, but warning signs are emerging – Kwami Tamakloe
46 minutes -
Digital trust crisis looming if fraud concerns are ignored – John Awuah warns
47 minutes -
Mamdani backs off pledge to arrest Netanyahu citing lack of authority
54 minutes -
Banks’ NPLs drop to 16.1%, but credit risk remains key vulnerability
55 minutes -
Business, consumer confidence positive – BoG
1 hour -
We don’t have a trust crisis – BoG urges vigilance against rising digital fraud
1 hour -
GIPC now an authority
1 hour -
Mahama urges African leaders to turn health pledges into concrete investments
1 hour -
NPP Greater Accra Regional Organiser hopeful touts experience, grassroots mobilisation record
2 hours -
WHO warns Africa risks losing decades of health gains as external funding declines
2 hours -
Chief of Staff plants shea tree at Jubilee House to reaffirm government’s commitment to shea industry development
2 hours -
GCB Bank unlocks new pathway to credit with Tier 3 pension-backed loan
2 hours -
Mid-Year Budget: ‘MoU is not a payslip’ – Oppong Nkrumah questions gov’t jobs, economic claims
3 hours