Judge unhappy with adjournments of president's accident case

Accra, June 5, GNA - An Accra High Court Judge on Thursday expressed frustration at the way the prosecution was going about the case of the man who drove into the President's car.

Mr Justice Emmanuel Ayebi, the presiding judge, said he was not happy with the numerous adjournments from the prosecution since these were unduly delaying the trial.

"Counsel, I am not happy at the way you are delaying this case," he added.

This came up when Mr Edward Agyeman Doudu, Chief Attorney, told the court that one of the two doctors who treated Pastor Osei Kufour, owner of the VW Golf car which was also involved in the accident, and Mr Emmanuel Osafo Addo, the president's driver, could not appear in court because he was on leave.

Mr. Doudu also said that a subpoena, which was issued on Monday, June 2 to the authorities of the 37 Military Hospital to allow the two doctors to appear, only got to them this morning (June 5, 2008). He said the doctors were expected to explain to the court the content of the medical report on Pastor Osei Kufour and the president's driver.

He said they would also explain the medical treatment given the victims and their findings.

Thomas Osei, 51, a businessman, is charged with five counts of motor traffic offences, use of narcotic drugs and failing to change ownership of a vehicle.

The charges are dangerous driving, negligently causing harm, driving under the influence of alcohol, failing to give way to presidential siren and the use of narcotic drugs. The President escaped unhurt.

Osei has pleaded not guilty to all the charges levelled against him and is on remand. The case has been adjourned to June 12.