Pink Sheet audit ruling attracts 24-hour police surveillance

The Greater Accra Police Command has beefed up security at the premises of the Supreme Court following a directive by the presiding judge in the ongoing election petition case, William Atuguba for an audit of the pink sheet exhibits.

A statement signed by the Greater Accra Police PRO DSP Freeman Tettey said the move is upon request by the Judicial Service.

"The new security arrangement encompasses detailing personnel for both night and non sitting court days including weekends. The arrangement is to enhance or improve security at the premises of the court," the statement said.

The statement follows reports National Security operatives demanded the keys to the registry at the Supreme Court hours after the judge had ordered a recount of the pink sheets.

“The Command wants to make it clear that the presence of the Police is not to intimidate people or compromise or temper with any exhibit in the custody of the court, but to assist the front line security of the Judicial Service to effectively police the premises.

"The Police believe in the independence and sanctity of the judiciary and are there with the sole purpose of assisting with crowd control, security checks and securing the court premises for a smooth conduct of proceedings," the statement added.

The auditing of the pink sheet exhibits became necessary after the counsel for the third respondent Tsatsu Tsikata made a request for the audit.

After discussions with the lawyers at the judges' chambers, it was agreed by all parties that the International Accounting firm KPMG will be the referee for the auditing of the pink sheet exhibits.

It is not clear when KPMG is expected to conclude the auditing and give its results to the court.