Gregory Afoko, Asabke Alangde Discharged

Justice Marie-Louise Simmons, presiding over Criminal Division Two of the High Court in Accra, has discharged Gregory Afoko and Asabke Alangde, after the State failed to appear or make progress in their prolonged murder trial.

The two men were facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder, standing trial for the third time after the second trial ended in a hung jury.

The latest trial commenced following the filing of a Bill of Indictment, dated March 22, 2019 and the subsequent commencement of proceedings last year.

Their pleas were taken on January18, 2024 after which a jury was empaneled.

Prosecution called its first witness (PW1) on April12, 2024.

By November 5, 2024 five prosecution witnesses had testified, with several more expected to be called. However, proceedings stalled thereafter.

According to the court, the trial had suffered about six adjournments at the request of the Attorney-General’s Office.

Despite jurors consistently appearing and being paid or due to be paid allowances, no progress was made, and no prosecutor was present in court to update the judge on the status of the case.

Justice Simmons noted that yesterday’s sitting marked about the seventh or eighth adjournments without any activity and that no Prosecutor was present to inform the Court about what was happening.

Meanwhile, five out of seven jurors are present. Giving the circumstance, the judge discharged the Accused persons. The court also discharged and dissolved the jury, expressing gratitude for their service.

Both accused persons were present in court. Emmanuella Dowuna held brief for Osafo Buabeng on behalf of Afoko, while lawyer Andrew Vortia, representing Alangde, was absent.

The discharge effectively brings the third attempt at prosecuting the case to an abrupt end, unless the State decides to file fresh charges.

 

 

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