Tsatsu's fate to be determined by Justice Abban again

Accra, July 9, GNA - Mr Tsatsu Tsikata will appear before a Fast Track High Court presided over by Justice Henrietta Abban on Thursday, July 10, 2008, to hear a motion filed by Mr Tsikata alleging bias before the same judge and an application for a bail pending appeal, a release from Free Tsatsu Movement said on Wednesday.

The release said, "Mr Tsikata had previously petitioned the Chief Justice, to appoint another judge to hear the application for bail but she refused to exercise this discretion and advised Mr Tsikata that in view of the serious nature of the allegation it should be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

"At the last sitting, Mr Tsikata's case was placed before the same Judge, who sentenced him. When asked why this was done, the Registrar Mr Gyimah indicated that he was acting "on instructions.

"The case could, however, not be heard because the trial judge, Justice Henrietta Abban was on sick leave and was unavailable until July 9, 2008," the release said.

"Questions were raised as to what would happen if Justice Abban remains unavailable on 10th July, 2008, but the Registrar replied that 'we would cross the bridge when we get there.'"