The Court of Appeal has ruled that investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas must testify without his signature mask in the ongoing corruption trial involving former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Kwesi Nyantakyi.

This decision is a significant development in the high-profile case that has captivated the nation since the release of Anas’ 2018 exposé, Number 12.

The three-member panel, led by Justice Ackaah Boafo, along with Justices Anthony Oppong and Aboagye Tandoh, stressed that the accused has the constitutional right to face their accuser.

“The principle of natural justice demands that an accused person must have the opportunity to see and confront their accuser.

Read Also: Court of Appeal to Decide If Anas Must Remove His Mask Before Testifying

Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” Justice Boafo said, emphasizing the importance of upholding fair trial standards.

While Anas and his legal team had argued that appearing unmasked would expose him to personal danger, particularly due to his history of undercover investigations, the Court of Appeal maintained that safety measures could be taken without infringing on the rights of the accused.

The panel also criticized an earlier High Court decision that had allowed Anas to testify masked, asserting that it violated established legal precedents.

“The High Court erred in its judgment by disregarding binding precedents set by the Supreme Court,” Justice Boafo remarked, reinforcing that legal frameworks must apply uniformly to all parties involved.

Don’t miss out! Get your daily dose of Entertainment news and more straight to your phone. Join Ghana Street Journal Whatsapp channel now!