The High Court in Accra has rejected an application to suspend the criminal trial of Gifty Oware-Mensah, who is facing charges in connection with the alleged “ghost names” scandal at the National Service Authority.

Lawyers for Ms Oware-Mensah had asked the court to halt proceedings while they pursue an appeal against an earlier ruling requiring her to submit a list of defence witnesses.

The request was made during a case management conference on Tuesday, in line with standard criminal trial procedures that compel the prosecution to disclose its evidence and, where directed, the defence to indicate intended witnesses.

Her legal team, led by Gary Nimako-Marfo, argued that the directive violates her constitutional right to be presumed innocent.
They have since filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal seeking to overturn the order.
However, the High Court declined to stay proceedings pending that decision. A second application for a stay, tied to a similar appeal, was also refused.

The defence further requested that the trial judge refer the matter to the Supreme Court to determine the constitutional issues raised, but this too was rejected. An appeal has been lodged against that decision.

The court noted that some parties had not yet been properly served with documents relating to the latest application.

The case has been adjourned to 15 April to allow for the completion of service.

Source:TheDotNews