State to recall fifth prosecution witness in Gyakye Quayson’s trial

An Accra High Court has granted a motion for the prosecution in the trial of James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North, to recall a witness pursuant to section 79 of the Evidence Act.

Madam Esi Dentaa Yankah, the Principal State Attorney (PSA), said the basis for the motion was that Latif Oshenu, the fifth prosecution witness in the ongoing trial, during his cross-examination, notified the court of a page that was omitted in an exhibit, which he had tendered into evidence.

The MP for Assin North is facing five charges; Deceit of Public officer, forgery of passport or travel certificates, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration for office.

He has since pleaded not guilty and has been granted bail.

Madam Yankah said the witness sought to refer to that omitted page but was unable to do so.

The prosecution sought for the witness to be recalled for the complete document to be placed before the court to enable him to refer to it as he sought to do during his
testimony.

She prayed that the court should exercise its discretion in their favour because without that the said exhibit in its current form would be incomplete.

“We submit that the complete exhibit P is what will enable the trial court to do justice in the case rather than the court making reference to clearly incomplete document, the construction of which might affect the trial judge’s ability to access the absent page or otherwise,” she added.

The prosecution said a copy of the said exhibit had been attached to the affidavit in support of the motion bearing in mind that exhibit P before the court was a copy of the document that the witness tendered.