I did not procure Ofosu-Ampofo’s tape — Witness
Benjamin Osei Ampofo Adjei, the first prosecution witness in the trial of the National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, and Deputy National Communication Officer of the party, Anthony Kweku Boahen, has told the Accra High Court that he did not personally procure the alleged tape which was calling for violence on some public officials.
The Adom FM journalist, Adjei, revealed this to the court during a cross–examination on a radio interview he conducted with Boahen which was admitted as evidence at the last proceeding.
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Ofosu Ampofo and Boahen are standing trial over a leaked tape in which the National Chairman was allegedly heard inciting violence against the leadership of the Electoral Commission (EC) and the National Peace Council (NPC).
The two have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit assault against a public officer, while Ofosu Ampofo has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault against a public officer.
Cross-examination
During cross-examination, counsel for Ofosu Ampofo, Mr Tony Lithur, asked the witness whether he personally procured the alleged leaked tape which was used in his interview with Boahen in February last year.
The journalist answered that he did not personally procure the said tape.
Below are excerpts of the cross-examination
Lawyer Lithur: You testified that you got hold of what you call Ofosu Ampofo’s tape and played it during your programme. True?
Adjei: Yes, my Lord.
Lawyer Lithur: Where did you get the tape from?
Adjei: My Lord, as a host, all materials and information including audio we play are given by the show producers.
Lawyer Lithur: Who is the show producer of the programme during which you played the tape?
Adjei: My Lord, Listowel Kojo Fordwuor
Lawyer Lithur: Did he tell you where he procured the tape from?
Adjei: No, my Lord, information and sources are not usually disclosed.
Hearing will continue on March 18, this year, at the court presided over by Justice Samuel Asiedu, a Justice of the Court of Appeal with additional responsibility as a High Court judge.
Prosecution’s facts
According to the prosecution’s facts, following the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election debacle on January 31, 2019, Ofosu Ampofo met with some NDC communicators on February 3, 2019.
The facts explained that at the said meeting, Ofosu Ampofo and Boahen set out a road map of criminal activities, including violence against the EC Chairperson, Mrs Jean Mensa, and the Chairman of the NPC, the Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante.
It said an audio recording of the said meeting was leaked, leading to investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service into the comments on the tape.
The prosecution added that on February 27, 2019, Boahen granted a radio interview in which he confirmed his participation in the meeting and also revealed that the leaked audio recording was a true reflection of what had transpired at the February 3, 2019 meeting.
