Tsatsu is going on a marathon to nowhere - Kweku Baako

Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide newspaper has condemned the attitude and posture of counsel for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Tsatsu Tsikata in the election petition at the Supreme Court.

Today, Wednesday, May 8, marks the sixth day of Mr. Tsikata’s cross examination of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the witness box.

Many have complained of how he is dragging the whole process of cross examination; repeating questions and going back and forth.

In the heat of Mr Tsikata’s cross examination on the fourth day, Philip Addison, counsel for the petitioners raised an objection and immediately was asked to shut up. This, however, didn’t go down well with Mr. Addison.

During his fifth day of cross examination, Mr Tsikata introduced pink sheets which according to the petitioners were not included in their affidavits and which the witness, Dr. Bawumia could answer questions on it.

Lawyer of the Petitioners asked that the pink sheet be withdrawn, but Mr. Tsikata disagreed, and this brought proceedings to a standstill.

Speaking as a panelist on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’ with host Kwami Sefa-Kayi, Kweku Baako said: “it is bad faith to produce pink sheets in the middle of cross examination; guerrilla tactics, which will take you nowhere. The way the lawyer of the third respondent is going; it is a marathon to nowhere…”

He condemned the word: shut up! used by Mr. Tsikata and has asserted that the lawyers should have also asked him (Mr Tsikata) to redraw his statement.

“To tell your fellow counsel to shut up is unethical. The judges were wrong to have asked him not to redraw. It is unethical...no matter how good you are, or you think you are, such things do not help ones record or profile, and it must be condemned. He needed to show respect not only to the other counsel but to the court…” he added.