The trial judge in the ongoing ambulance purchase trial involving Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa has ordered parties to stop media commentary or face contempt charges.
According to Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, incessant commentaries pose a security threat to the state and have the potential to compromise the sanctity of the proceedings before the court.
In court today, the judge in issuing the order, cited concerns over commentary she deemed borderline contemptuous regarding the evidence submitted in court. She expressed particular concern about remarks from lawyers involved in the case, as well as those not directly involved, and media interviews granted by the third accused, Richard Jakpa.
To protect the sanctity of the court, she warned that she would be compelled to “apply the powers used during the Montie 3 trial ” if the parties failed to comply with the court order.
Justice Asare-Botwe also admonished journalists reporting on the case to stay away from putting a value judgment on submissions of witnesses who mount the box to give evidence.
“No lawyer or any other person involved in the case will make any statement, whether oral or written, with the potential to prejudice the ongoing case,” she ordered.
The trial judge also noted that the public can follow the case through media reports and the live stream of the proceedings.
“The court notes that the proceedings are being streamed live and anyone can log on and observe the proceedings. There is no need for any analysis to be made at this time. Anyone who wants can log on have an opinion and not make any judgement on the matter.”
“No lawyer or any person shall make any comment bordering on the weight of the evidence adduced or yet to be adduced or make any comment that will prejudice this case,” she noted.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
