By Beatrice Oppong
The Magistrate at the Ashaiman District Court, Eleanor Barnes Botchway has warned prosecution to be serious with the committal process of the Convener of the Fix The Country Movement, Oliver Barker Vormawor who has been charged with treason felony. Prosecutor, DSP Sylvester Asare was absent from Court and this prompted a warning from the Magistrate who said she will not condone such behaviour from the State and that the Court will advise itself if the prosecution continued in that trajectory.
Chief Inspector George Doe who held brief for the substantive Prosecutor prayed the Court to stand down the case for an hour, but, lawyer for Oliver, Justice Srem Sai opposed, arguing that the prosecution had lost interest in the case so his client should be discharged for want of prosecution. He contended that this is the third appearance before the Court and yet there is no summary of evidence and a formal charge from the prosecution. He said standing down the case will not change those facts. He further stated that the facts as presented before the Court do not support the charge of treason felony against the accused person.
Chief Inspector Doe however opposed the submission by the defence saying the offence is an indictable one and by its nature, the Police will have to furnish the Attorney General’s Office with duplicate copies for advice. This he said is in the process. He contended that the defence’s plea is premature as the accused person is only going through a committal process at the District Court. He said the real trial will be at a different court where he will be formally charged. The defence informed the Court of its intention to appeal against an order to search the accused person’s mobile phone. The case has been adjourned to March 29, 2022.
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