Former Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, is set to begin his defence on June 20, 2024, in the case where he stands accused, along with another individual, of allegedly inciting violence in a leaked audio recording.
The decision came after the court, presided over by Justice Samuel Asiedu, a Supreme Court Justice acting as an additional High Court judge, granted Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo an extension.
Originally scheduled to begin his defence on May 30, Ofosu-Ampofo was granted more time.
During the court session, Ofosu-Ampofo’s counsel, Tony Lithur, informed the court that his client had suffered a leg injury due to a long flight, which affected his ability to meet and prepare for the hearing on May 30.
“I have spoken to him and his doctors say because it is just a swell, within a week or two he could walk with a stick to court. I crave my Lord’s indulgence to give us two weeks to open our defence,” Counsel submitted.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Yvonne Atokora Obuobisa, agreed to the request for more time since she had seen the doctor’s report indicating that Mr Ofosu-Ampofo would not be able to walk.
The case has been adjourned to June 20 this year.
Not guilty
Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, along with the former Deputy National Communication Officer of the NDC, is facing trial over a leaked audio recording in which Ofosu-Ampofo allegedly incited violence against the leadership of the Electoral Commission (EC) and the National Peace Council (NPC).
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit assault against a public officer. Additionally, Ofosu-Ampofo has pleaded not guilty to two separate counts of assault against a public officer.
Prosecution’s facts
According to the prosecution’s account, following the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election incident on January 31, 2019, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo met with several NDC communicators on February 3, 2019.
The prosecution detailed that during this meeting, Ofosu Ampofo and Kwaku Boahen outlined a plan involving criminal activities, including acts of violence against the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Mrs. Jean Mensa, and the Chairman of the National Peace Council, Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante.
An audio recording of this meeting was leaked, prompting an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service into the comments made on the tape.
Furthermore, the prosecution noted that on February 27, 2019, Boahen confirmed in a radio interview his participation in the meeting and stated that the leaked audio accurately represented the discussions from February 3, 2019.