Hanan Abdul-Hamid cannot be forced to face trial without lawyer — Dame
Godfred Yeboah Dame, lead counsel for former National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive Officer Hanan Abdul-Hamid, says his client cannot be compelled to proceed with his trial during the legal vacation without legal representation, warning that such a move would set a dangerous precedent.
Godfred Yeboah Dame, representing former NAFCO CEO Hanan Abdul-Hamid, contends his client cannot be forced to face trial during legal vacation without legal counsel, fearing a dangerous precedent. This follows Justice Francis Apangabonu Achibonga's directive to former NSB Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, to secure lawyers before the trial's continuation on August 17.
If the couple fails to provide legal representation, they must personally continue cross-examination of the fourth prosecution witness. Dame doubts Abdul-Hamid will be compelled to represent himself, as the focus of the next hearing is likely to be on an application to halt proceedings pending a Court of Appeal decision. However, he will not participate in proceedings during legal vacation.
Dame argues compelling an accused to proceed without representation would violate a constitutional right to legal counsel and set a dangerous precedent. He has consistently opposed hearing the case during vacation, questioning the urgency and lack of emergency circumstances justifying proceedings during that period. The scheduling dispute has reignited debate over judicial discretion, legal representation, and the conduct of criminal trials during court vacation.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
