Gregory Afoko and Abdul Malik Kweku Baako
Defence lawyers in the trial of Gregory Afoko over the death of Adams Mahama have given the strongest indication of tendering a tape recording of the alleged comments by Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, Editor in-chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper in respect of the case.
According to Osafo Boabeng, lawyer for 52-year-old Gregory, he has the recording of the Peace FM’s ‘Morning Show’ programme – Kokrokoo – containing the supposed comments of the senior journalist.
He was emphatic that the defence would make the voice available to the court at the next sitting slated for June 15, 2017.
The presiding judge, Justice L.L. Mensah, said the court would also check if its equipment are in order to play the said tape.
Osafo Boabeng is poised to bring to the court’s attention the supposed comments by Mr. Baako describing them as “serious and grievous” which could not be swept under the carpet.
Afoko’s lawyer claims Mr. Baako in the said commentary, made particular reference to Matthew Amponsah, the state attorney’s file over the case.
Mr. Amponsah has urged the defence lawyer to produce the tape for the parties to look at it, while denying any interaction with Mr. Baako.
Meanwhile, the judge has ordered the prosecution to make available their third witness at the next sitting.
He indicated that Mr Osafo Boabeng was almost through with the further cross-examination of the second witness in the case – Zuera Isaka.
Zuera has been telling the court circumstances leading to the death of Adams, former Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Gregory Afoko has been charged with conspiracy to commit crime and murder of Adams Mahama in May 2015.
The accused has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Adams Mahama died of extensive acid burns and shock lungs (acute respiratory distress syndrome), an autopsy report has indicated.
Gregory’s alleged accomplice, Asabke, is still on the run.
By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson
jeffdegraft44@yahoo.com