Clashes at Ya Na trial

An Accra Fast Track High Court on Tuesday September 7 commenced fresh hearings into the infamous Ya-Na trial after Justice Anthony Oppong recused himself following allegations of bias leveled against him by State prosecutors.

The newly appointed Judge, Justice E.K Ayebi sounded a note of caution to the seven jurors on the case not to allow themselves to be influenced after they were sworn in.

In all, 15 persons have been arraigned before the court with one Zakaria Yakubu suspected to be at large. The 15 persons are standing trial for the murder of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II in 2002.

All 15 accused persons were charged with conspiracy to commit murder with Zakaria Yakubu standing trial for an additional charge of committing murder.

Relating the facts of the case to the court, Director of Public Prosecution, Gertrude Aikens gave a brief account of the troubles in Yendi that led to the unfortunate murder of the Ya-Na Yakubu Andani in March 2002.

She told the court that the state would lead evidence in due course to prove that the accused persons are guilty of the crime.

All 14 persons who were present in court pleaded not guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit murder. The case could not continue smoothly because out of the 14 persons only 4 of them indicated that they were able to communicate in English.

The other 11 told the court that they were only able to speak and understand Dagbani.

The situation held hearing for several minutes as the court sought for a translator in Dagbani. Although one was found, he was not very perfect in his translation, according to the court.

This compelled the court to adjourn the case to Thursday September 9, with a directive to the Registrar of the Fast Track High Court to search for a competent interpreter in Dagbani.

All fourteen accused persons have since been remanded in prison custody.

Meanwhile, two persons were arrested after clashes ensued at the premises of the Accra Fast Track High Court. The clashes occurred moments after the court adjourned hearing.

Supporters of both the Andani and Abudu gates massed up at the premises of the courts early Tuesday morning but were prevented from entering the court room by armed policemen.

After hearing however, some of the people who had gathered outside the court premises started pelting stones at the police and anybody in sight.

In the ensuing fight, the police whose presence was reinforced by the Greater Accra Regional Police Command managed to arrest two persons.