Tsatsu's request to quiz other witnesses dismissed

The Supreme Court has dismissed an application by the Respondents in the election petition case to haul into the dock, other witnesses for cross-examination.

The application was first made by Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata, Lead Counsel for the Third Respondent.

The court was expected to rule on the matter on Tuesday May 14, 2013, but at the beginning of that day’s hearing, the President of the nine-member panel of Justices, William Atuguba ruled that: “Since similar applications by the first and second Respondents have been fixed for May 16, 2013, it is just and proper, without any diminishing to expedition to consolidate and/or take them all on the 16, May 2013”, adding that: “This motion is accordingly so adjourned”.

Dr. Bawumia has until now been the Star witness in the case.

The NDC’s Lead Counsel intended to call into the witness box the Member of Parliament for Tano North Freda Prempeh, Berekum East MP Dr. Kwabena Twum Nuamah and a polling station officer at Savelugu in the Northern region.

The three named persons attached their affidavit to that of the three main petitioners in the case, thus the NDC's insistence that they be called into the witness box.

In their attached affidavit, the three NPP Members said there was cancelation of some results in their Constituencies.

However, after several hours of deliberations by the nine Justices hearing the election petition, the President of the Bench, Justice William Atuguba stated that there was no need to prolong the hearing and, therefore, dismissed the application by the respondents.

Mr. Tsikata has, however, resumed his cross-examination of Dr. Bawumia, which enters the 11th day.