Transcript of IGP's cross-examination given to ACP Boakye's Lawyers

Accra, Aug. 30, GNA - The Justice Georgina Wood Committee investigating cocaine related cases on Wednesday presented a copy of the transcript of the cross-examination of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong to the team of lawyers representing Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kofi Boakye.

The transcript was presented to the team made up of Mr Vincent Leo Aikins and Mr Joe Boakye Debrah, who had requested for it from the Committee although they were present during the cross-examination. The Legal Team had asked for the transcript to enable them to prepare their final submission to the Committee.

In a letter accompanying the transcript the Committee noted: "The standard procedure for the release of transcripts arises only in situations where evidence affecting a party had been given in his or her absence."

The letter recalled that ACP Kofi Boakye cross-examined the IGP in the presence of all his three Counsel. Mr Maxwell Opoku Agyemang is the third counsel of ACP Boakye.

"You, therefore, had every opportunity and time to have recorded everything that transpired," it said.

The Committee said that in its avowed aim of ensuring fairness, transparency and respect for the fundamental rights of individuals, it decided to meet the request of the Legal Team.

Justice Wood expressed her disappointment about the way the Legal Team of ACP Boakye had gone to media houses without waiting for a formal response from the Committee on their request.

She told the Legal Team that anytime they gave a formal letter to any party, they should wait for a response before embarking on any move. Receiving the transcript, Mr Debrah expressed the team's gratitude to the Committee for granting their request.

"The team will like to place on record that our major objective has been all along to support this Committee and to help the Committee to achieve its mandate," he said.

Mr Debrah said the Legal Team would make its final submission on Monday.

ACP Boakye allegedly held a meeting in his house with suspected drug dealers and the proceedings at the meeting has been captured on tape.