On February 28, 2024, a significant twist emerged in the court case between the Republic and Kwesi Nyantakyi. The state prosecutor, representing the Attorney General’s office, revealed that they had reached out to Anas Aremeyaw Anas, a well-known undercover journalist, to testify as a witness. However, Anas declined the invitation, citing concerns for his personal safety.
Anas made it clear that he could not attend court and provide evidence without wearing his signature hood and beads, which he considers essential for safeguarding his identity. Additionally, he called on the Attorney General’s office to appeal a High Court decision that had mandated him to reveal his face to the accused and their legal representatives before testifying.
In response, the defense counsel for Kwesi Nyantakyi called for the case to be struck out. They argued that the prosecution’s lack of readiness, evident in their failure to begin proceedings with any of the other four listed witnesses, demonstrated their disinterest in the trial. Furthermore, they highlighted the lack of action by the prosecution to prosecute the appeal at the Court of Appeal, indicating a lack of commitment.
The court was inclined to strike out the case due to the prosecution’s failure to demonstrate commitment to prosecute. However, considering the time already spent on the case, the court granted the prosecution one last opportunity to conduct the appeal. If the appeal is not pursued by the next adjourned date, April 30, 2024, the case will be struck out.
The Republic v Kwesi Nyantakyi trial will resume on April 30, 2024, at 9 AM, where the fate of the case will be determined.