On Monday, July 31, this year, James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for the Assin-North constituency, may cross-examine the first prosecution witness in his perjury case if his legal team fails to appear in court.
This decision was announced by Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, the presiding judge, during today’s ruling on Friday, July 28, which led to the adjournment of the case.
Originally, Quayson’s lawyer, Justine P. Teriwajah, was expected to cross-examine the prosecution’s first witness, Richard Takyi Mensah, on the same day.
However, Mr. Teriwajah presented a medical excuse duty to the court, stating that he was indisposed and unable to attend. The excuse covered a period of three days, starting from Friday, July 28, to Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Along with the excuse duty letter, there was a request to permit Mr. Quayson to travel outside the jurisdiction for medical attention during the upcoming legal vacation, which would span two months.
In response to this request, Deputy Attorney-General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, argued that the witness had been in the box for over a year, and he urged the court to adjourn the matter to either Monday or sometime during the legal vacation to ensure the witness’s cross-examination and discharge.
He believed that it would be fair and just if the witness did not have to testify again in the next legal year. Mr. Quayson was also given the option to participate in the trial through a video link, provided he traveled outside the jurisdiction during the legal vacation.
Mr. Quayson himself pleaded with the court to allow him to travel for the necessary medical attention.
Ultimately, in her ruling, Justice Yanzuh adjourned the matter to Monday, July 31, 2023.
Leave feedback about this