Afoko Trial: Defence close case

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

The defence 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 defence the time to do their case and the court has done just that.

The court, therefore, ordered the defence 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 defence to address the court, and February 21 for the prosecution to do the same. A date for the summing up would be announced later.

At the previous sitting, defence counsel had prayed the court for a second chance to present their second and probably last witness, failing 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 murder and murder.

He has pleaded not guilty before the court, composed of a seven-member jury.

Another suspect in the case, Alandgi Asabke is on the run.