Tsatsu ends cross-examination, but hints of a return

Tsatsu Tsikata, counsel for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has finally brought his cross-examination to an end, albeit temporarily. It is the longest-running cross-examination in the hearing of the presidential election petition so far.

Tsatsu began his cross-examination on 6th May 2013. Counsel for the Electoral Commission (Second respondent), James Quarshie-Idun, and Counsel for President Mahama (First respondent), Tony Lithur, have shared 9 days of cross-examination.

Tsikata has sought to among other things, prove that petitioners padded pink sheets, to deliberately deceive the court. There have been issues of contradictions and duplications. He called it a “massive deception”.

Bawumia, the key witness in the case has also rejected that claim and has insisted, on the contrary that there have been “massive irregularities” that benefited the first respondent.

Gloria Akuffo, a member of the petitioners’ legal team, has said it “a big relief” and “the beginning of the end”.

Ato Dadzie has commended Tsikata for a “very deep cross-examination”. He has done a “great job”.

Tsikata has, however, added a caveat to his declaration. He would be back for another bite at the cherry after KPMG finishes the physical count of the pink sheets.

Nonetheless, “I'm done for now,” he has said.