Counsel worried over delay in prosecuting GPHA Manager’s murder case

Defence Counsel for one of the suspects in the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) murder case has expressed unhappiness about the slow nature of police investigation into the case.

Mrs Josephine Tandoh Asante, the Marketing and Public Affairs Manager of Tema Port of GPHA was on January 13, 2019, found dead in her Emefs Hillview Estate, near Afienya, in the Ningo Prampram District of the Greater Accra Region.

So far, two persons, Christian Agyei, her houseboy and Amos Apeku, her official driver have been arrested and are facing trial in connection with the crime.

The Tema District Court, presided over by Her Ladyship Mrs Akosua Anokyewaa Agyapong has sat on the case on a number of occasions.

At the sitting on Monday, July 22, 2019 Lawyer Isaac Eshun, Counsel for Amos Apeku, was not happy with the “slow nature of police investigation”.

When the case was called, prosecution informed the court that investigation is ongoing. Mr Eshun told the court he was aware that whatever request made by the police have been filed and wanted to find out if police inquisition hinges on issues outside the requests.

The Magistrate intervened and stated that the case has gained national attention and that police should endeavour to conclude their investigations on time for it to proceed with committal. Police then came in to say that by the close of one month, the docket on the case will be ready for the Attorney General’s Office for advice.

The case has since been adjourned.

Meanwhile, Mr Isaac Eshun, who was also holding brief for Mr Baba Jamal, Counsel for the first accused person, Christian Agyei, the houseboy, has asked the prosecution to ensure that his client, who was reportedly vomiting blood whiles in custody, as a result of alleged manhandling by some inmates, has not been given proper medical care.

According to him, the court can only try a healthy accused person and not a dead body.