Afoko Trial – Defence close their case

The defense counsel in the case involving Gregory Afoko, accused of murdering the former Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have closed their case after series of adjournment by the court to enable them to bring their witness.

The defense being represented in court, by Madam Benedicta Antwi on Thursday told the court that their witness was still not available, and as such would want to close their case.

She said, “upon reviewing our records we think we can close our case.”

The Prosecution led Mr Mathew Amponsah in his response said they had no objection to that.

The court presided over by Justice Lawrence L. Mensah said it was the constitutional obligation of the court to give the defense the time to do their case and the court has done just that.

The court therefore ordered the defense to file their closing address on or before February 8, and the prosecution to react by way of closing address on or before February 19.

The case has since been adjourned to February 20, for the defense to address the court, and February 21 for the prosecution to do same. A date for the summing up would be announced later.

At the previous sitting, defense counsel prayed the court for a second chance to present their second and probably last witness, failure to which they would close their case.

The prosecution called 14 witnesses, while the defence called one.

Afoko, a farmer, is alleged to have killed Mr Mahama on May 20, 2015, and is being held on charges of conspiracy to commit crime to wit murder and murder.

He has pleaded not guilty before the Court, which is also composed of a seven-member jury.

It was alleged that Afoko carried out the act with Alandgi Asabke, who is on the run.

Source: GNA