The High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie, has directed state prosecutors to provide a stronger legal basis for their request to have certain witnesses testify in camera in the ongoing robbery trial involving former Second Lady, Mrs. Matilda Yaaba Amissah-Arthur.
During proceedings on Wednesday, Senior State Attorney Nana Ama Adinkra argued that some prosecution witnesses should be allowed to testify privately due to the sensitive and traumatic nature of the case.
She emphasized the need to protect the identities of key witnesses who might face undue distress or threats.
However, the defense, led by lawyer Bernard Obiri Koranteng, strongly objected to the request, insisting that a public trial was necessary to ensure transparency and protect his client’s reputation.
He argued that his client, Yahuza Osumanu, had already suffered public disgrace and deserved a fair and open hearing.
Osumanu, who identifies himself as a businessman, is currently facing 24 charges, including 20 counts of robbery and four counts of dishonestly receiving stolen property.
He is accused of robbing Mrs. Amissah-Arthur and four others, allegedly stealing cash in multiple currencies—GH¢3,000, USD$2,200, and €50—along with a gold watch valued at GH¢20,000 and a necklace worth GH¢5,000.
The prosecution also claims Osumanu targeted businessman Augustine Kwesi Okere, Daniel Kwame Osafo and his wife Tracy Osei-Hyeaman, as well as 76-year-old Margaret Alice Shaw, a resident of Alexander Nest, Ridge.
The accused has been in prison custody since October 23, 2024, after pleading to charges related to dishonestly receiving stolen items.
The court’s latest directive places the burden on the prosecution to present a compelling argument for restricting public access to witness testimonies. The case has been adjourned to February 24, 2025, for further proceedings.
