Hanan Reveals Dame's Shocking Absence from Court
Hanan Abdul-Wahab, former CEO of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), appeared before the Accra High Court on Wednesday, August 12, without his lead counsel, Godfred Yeboah Dame. Mr Abdul-Wahab's wife, Faiza, was present in the court but Mr Dame's absence was explained by his client.
Absence Explained
Mr Abdul-Wahab told the court that Mr Dame was unwell and receiving medical attention. "My lawyer, Godfred Yeboah Dame, could not appear before the court today because he has fallen ill and is currently in and out of the hospital," he said. This revelation comes amidst an ongoing dispute over the decision to hear the criminal case during the legal vacation, which runs from August 1 to September 30.
Objections and Debate
Mr Dame had earlier written to Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie objecting to the decision to proceed with the trial during the vacation. He argued that the trial had not commenced before the recess and that there were no exceptional circumstances to justify hearing it during the period. Mr Dame informed the Chief Justice in a letter dated August 5 that he would not participate in proceedings scheduled during the legal vacation, maintaining that commencing the trial during the period departed from established judicial practice.
Wider Implications
The legal team for former National Signals Bureau Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene, led by Samuel Atta Akyea, has similarly objected to proceedings continuing during the vacation. The objections have fuelled a wider debate within Ghana's legal community over whether substantive criminal trials should proceed during the legal vacation and whether lawyers who have indicated their unavailability can be compelled to appear. The Ghana Bar Association has urged the Chief Justice to ensure that established practices governing the legal vacation are respected.
A Delicate Balance
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai has argued that lawyers cannot unilaterally determine whether court proceedings should continue during the vacation. This stance highlights the delicate balance between the need for lawyers to observe the legal vacation and the need for the justice system to function efficiently. As the dispute continues, one thing is clear: the outcome will have significant implications for Ghana's legal community and its understanding of the role of lawyers in the justice system.
The case will proceed without Mr Dame, but the controversy surrounding the legal vacation and the role of lawyers will likely continue to dominate the headlines in the coming weeks.
Source: Joy Online
