The defamation case filed by Anas Aremeyaw Anas against the Member of Parliament for Assin Central has been postponed due to the legislature’s health.
Because of Mr Agyapong’s health, the proceedings on December 16, 2021, were cut short. After being reminded of his previous oath, Mr Agyapong asked the court if he could have a microphone because he had a voice problem. In the absence of an extra microphone, the MP was allowed to remove his mask in order to be heard.
Following the first two questions, Anas’ lawyers requested leave of the court to confer with Kennedy Agyapong’s lawyers. Despite the fact that the two lawyers were speaking in hushed tones, Ken Agyapong’s lawyer retorted, “just go ahead and do your cross-examination.”
However, when the cross-examination resumed, it was noticed that Mr Agyapong was not feeling well, as evidenced by his facial expression and sitting posture. As Mr Agyapong’s sitting posture and demeanor in court continued to show signs of agony, Anas’ lawyers indicated to the judge that they would like to make an observation to the court.
Lawyers for Anas then informed the court that they had noticed Mr Agyapong was in some pain since the start of the day’s proceedings. They went on to say that Mr Agyapong makes agonizing gestures from his seat. Anas’ lawyers told the court that based on Mr Agyapong’s demeanor and state, the case should be adjourned if he was ill. Furthermore, Mr. Agyapong continued to visit the restroom every few minutes until the case was called for hearing.
After hearing the observations made by Anas’ lawyers, the learned judge directed both lawyers to approach the bench. Mr Agyapong’s brother, who is also his lawyer, was overheard asking Mr Agyapong if he (the lawyer) should agree to the impending adjournment after predicting what the judge might want to discuss with both lawyers. Mr. Agyapong in a formal setting.
After hearing the observations made by Anas’ lawyers, the learned judge directed both lawyers to approach the bench. Mr Agyapong’s brother, who is also his lawyer, was overheard asking Mr Agyapong if he (the lawyer) should agree to the impending adjournment after predicting what the judge might want to discuss with both lawyers. Mr Agyapong was heard saying “adjourn adjourn adjourn” in a very mournful and agonizing tone.
After conferring with both lawyers for a while, the astute judge, Eric Baah, JA, announced in court that the proceedings for the day had been adjourned on health grounds.
When asked when the case could be heard again, Ken’s lawyer replied, “My Lord, I can’t tell,” because Mr Agyapong was unable to tell the court when he would return from his medical treatment.
The case was rescheduled for January 13, 2022, when a new witness would be called.
