You’ll Continue Cross-Examination If Your Counsel Doesn’t Appear - Judge To Gyakye Quayson

The trial of Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson has been postponed until July 31, 2023, so that the cross-examination of the prosecution's first witness can continue.

This occurred after attorneys for Gyakye Quayson submitted a letter explaining that attorney Tsatsu Tsikata was incapacitated until July 30 and requesting a postponement until after the October legal break.

In response to this development, however, Deputy Attorney-General Alfred Tuah Yeboah asked the court to postpone proceedings until July 31, the last day before the legal break.

He stated that it has been over a year since the prosecution's first witness took the stand and pleaded for an expedited hearing, even if the case had to be heard during the legal break.

This investigation began in January of 2022.

On July 12, 2022, Prosecution Witness (PW1) began his opening statement; it has been one year and sixteen days since PW1 took the stand.

"In light of this, I would like to request that this matter be adjourned until Monday, subject to the convenience of your Honour," he told the court.

The lawmaker from Assin North informed the court that he would be unavailable during the legal recess because he has been ill for the past three years.

Alfred Tuah Yeboah suggested alternatives after noting that, according to the records, Justin Teriwajah is Gyakye Quayson's attorney.

"If this matter is heard during the legal break, the defendant or his solicitors may participate in the hearing proceedings online," he noted.

After hearing their arguments, Justice Mary Ekue Yanzuh ordered the parties to appear on Monday, July 31, 2023, for the conclusion of Richard Takyi-Mensah's cross-examination.

She cautioned James Gyakye Quayson, "If counsel does not appear on July 31, the court will have no choice but to allow the accused to continue his cross-examination."