Allow my lawyers to argue further - John Mahama

Lawyers for the petitioner in the 2020 presidential election petition,  have initiated a move to get an opportunity to address the Supreme Court before its ruling on whether or not to grant the petitioner the chance to reopen his case.

In a letter dated Monday, February 15, 2021, signed by Mr Tony Lithur, a member of the legal team of the petitioner, former President John Dramani Mahama, addressed to the Chief Justice and seen by Graphic Online, the lawyers asked the Supreme Court to allow them to argue further in relation to the petitioner’s quest to reopen his case.

The letter is asking the court to allow the lawyers time to argue on a point made by Justice Samuel K. Marful-Sau, one of the Justices hearing the petition, during Mr Tsatsu Tsikata’s argument in support of the motion to reopen the case on Monday.

Justice Marful-Sau had asked Mr Tsikata whether the court was not judicially barred from granting the application to reopen the case to enable the petitioner subpoena the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs Jean Mensa to testify.

Justice Marful-Sau based his point on the fact that the court had ruled that Mrs Mensa cannot be compelled to testify.

The letter signed by Mr TLithur is asking the court to allow the lawyers to argue on the point made by Justice Marful-Sau since it was significant.

The lawyers want to present the new arguments before the court delivers its ruling Tuesday morning  on the application by the petitioner seeking for leave (permission) to reopen his case.

“We respectfully wish to crave the indulgence of your Lordships to hear lead counsel on this matter which came up during the question of Justice Marful-Sau right at the end of the day’s proceedings. This opportunity to address the court on the issue before the ruling that Your Lordships are due to deliver tomorrow on our application will, in our respectful view, advance the interest of justice,” the letter stated.

Writer’s email : emma.hawkson@graphic.com.gh 

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