Former President of the Ghana Football Association, Kwasi Nyantakyi could potentially be released in April if the prosecution does not make significant progress, as cautioned by Justice Marie-Louise Simmons of the High Court in Accra.
Despite Mr. Nyantakyi pleading not guilty to charges of fraud by agent and corruption relating to the Anas #Number 12 Exposé almost three years ago on June 29, 2021, the trial has yet to commence.
Additionally, he is also facing charges of conspiracy to commit fraud alongside the former Northern Regional Representative of the GFA, Abdulai Alhassan.
Ace Investigative Journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who is set to be the initial prosecution witness, has raised concerns regarding the Court’s previous ruling that he has to testify without his facemask.
The Defence lawyers have also expressed their worries about the prolonged delays in the trial, which has yet to commence since June 29, 2024. During the Court session on Wednesday, February 28, Justice Mrs Simmons stated that while the Court has the option to dismiss the case, she will grant the prosecution an extension until April to present their case.
“In the circumstance, notwithstanding the dismissal of the Stay of Proceedings filed earlier by the Prosecution, I would have the case adjourned to April.“I am aware that I should not adjourn a criminal trial beyond a month but I will make an exception to this rule,” the Court said.“I will allow the Accused persons some breathing space while we see the next step taken by the Prosecution at pursuing this appeal against the ruling,” the Court said.
“If by April, no meaningful steps have been taken in the Appeal, the two (2) the Accused persons will be discharged,” the Court warned.
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