The Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice Mary Yanzuh, has granted an application by the state to recall its fifth prosecution witness (PW5), Latif Osmanu, in the ongoing trial of Assin North Member of Parliament, James Gyakye Quayson.
The prosecution argued that Osmanu had, during his initial testimony, pointed out that a page was missing from Exhibit P, a document he had tendered in evidence. The missing page, according to the prosecution, is essential for the trial court to fully assess the exhibit and deliver justice.
“Our submission is that a complete Exhibit P is what will enable the trial court to do justice to the case, as it will give the trial judge the opportunity to assess the missing page,” the prosecution stated. The court deemed the situation exceptional and in the interest of justice, warranting the witness’s recall.
Lead counsel for the accused, Tsatsu Tsikata, did not oppose the application but insisted on placing on record that the omission of the page was the prosecution’s fault. He emphasized that the missing page was not due to any action by his client or the defense.
Following these arguments, Justice Yanzuh granted the prosecution’s request to recall the witness.
Additionally, she issued further orders, including compliance with an earlier directive she made in November last year, which the prosecution has yet to obey.
He is charged with forgery and perjury.
