Fireworks: As Tsatsu Seeks To Cross-Examine More Witnesses

By Nana Akua Tweneboah-Koduah

The game is now gathering steam or momentum, therefore, all those watching it must gird their loins because it will not be over until it’s over. The NPP have been pushing and shoving Mr Tsatsu Tsikata, the lead counsel for the NDC in the on-going Supreme Court challenge of the 2012 Election results to abandon his cross-examination of Dr Mahamadu Bawumia in the interest of time.

Never a day passes without the NPP hacks ably supported by their party’s communications directorate bashing Mr Tsikata of engaging in a fishing expedition of trying to unravel the impossible from Bawumia. In their news conferences, interviews on radio stations and myopic view press releases, the NPP have sought to push Mr Tsikata to conclude his cross-examination which so far has unearthed tons of mistakes, mislabelling, sheer lies, weaving and tumbling and speed dancing around questions by Dr Bawumia.

Everyday brings its own surprises in court, therefore, you will be a fool to advice Mr Tsikata to wind up instead of trying to leave no stone unturned in his quest to seek for nothing but the truth in this case which many have condemned as much ado about nothing.

But before I proceed I will like to give a little brief about the origins of “leave no stone unturned”. This expression which was written by an ancient Greek playwright, Euripides, was about a Greek general who buried a large treasure in his tent when he was defeated in battle. Therefore, those who were seeking to unearth the buried treasure consulted the Oracle of Delphi who advised them to move every stone under the tent.

I am of the view that Mr Tsikata who is also seeking to unearth the truth concerning the alleged bogus claims that the NDC stole the 2012 Presidential Election will leave no stone unturned.

That is why Mr Tsikata has filed a motion in court that he wants to cross-examine other witnesses whose affidavits the petitioners have filed, the presiding officer at the Savelugu constituency and three MPs who testified by affidavit. I strongly believe that Bawumia should not be left alone to dent his credibility as he struggles to resuscitate the dying case, since others also stand to gain the most if they are successful in this case.

Many people have questioned the rationale for Bawumia to take all the shots in the witness stand when Nana Akufo-Addo who has his law certificates missing just sits in the stands watching and occasionally dozes off. Akufo-Addo would be made president if he wins the case and judging by the fact that his supporters claim that he is a lawyer of international repute, I think it’s about time for Ghanaians to hear from him also if it is necessary.

The cross-examination of the additional witnesses will help Ghanaians also to know if the NPP have any hidden evidence or just the pink sheets that Bawumia is wasting the ears of everyone.

The other witnesses need to come and explain to Ghanaians why they think Akufo-Addo was robbed, who robbed them, by what means, and provide solid evidence instead of pink sheets to buttress their claim. It should not just be about claims, but proof of evidence. Maybe they will do a better job than Bawumia.

It is going to be fireworks and I bet Ghanaians and the International Community will have their money’s worth. It would be brutal as the other witnesses without any shred of evidence from any of the NPP’s polling agents from 26,002 polling stations across the country will seek to justify their claim that Akufo-Addo was cheated in the polls.

“Where is the evidence?” I can foresee Mr Tsikata asking those witnesses. And I don’t believe they can afford to dance around the question like Bawumia.

I am of the view that Jake Obetsebi Lamptey should also be compelled to testify. If he should agree to testify, that may be a different ballgame as he will struggle to tell the court why he and Akufo-Addo dubiously ordered Sir John to usurp the powers of the Electoral Commission and announce that Akufo-Addo has won the presidential election. Jake did it in 2004 and got away with it, but this time around it will be a tough sell.

Since they say “book no lie”, the recently launched book titled, Never Say Die” by Dr Nyaho Tamakloe, a leading member of the NPP, will serve as another form of evidence for the respondents. In that book, Sir John is accused of announcing the results of the 2012 Presidential Election results under the directions of Akufo-Addo and Jake Obetsebi Lamptey.

It is definitely not over until it’s over. And when it’s over or by the time this case is finished, Akufo-Addo, Bawumia and Jake will never dream of ever attempting to take something that does not belong to them by force or by hook or crook.

nakuakoduah@yahoo.com