Election Petition: Supreme Court Dismisses John Mahama’s Motion To Re-Open Case And Subpoena Jean Adukwei Mensa

The Supreme Court of Ghana has dismissed the application filed by the petitioner, John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress party to have his case reopen and to subpoena the chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Jean Adukwei Mensa.

The council for the petitioner, Lawyer Tsatsu closed the petitioner’s case after the witness was cross-examined and then after, lawyers for the first and second respondents, Justin Amenuvor and Akoto Ampaw argued that based on the evidence from the witness of the petitioner, they intend not to bring in any witness.

Although the petitioner fiercely objected to the application by the respondents, the court on Thursday, February 11, 2021, ruled that it cannot compel the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa to take the witness box. The petitioner applied to subpoena Jean Adukwei Mensa which the court has unanimously dismissed the case.

The apex court in a unanimous decision rejected the request on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Reading the ruling of the court, Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, said the petitioner’s legal team failed to provide any evidence to warrant the reopening of their case hence the dismissal of the application.

”We accordingly refuse that application,” the Chief Justice said.

Meanwhile, Mahama’s lead lawyer, Tsatsu Tsikata has told the court that he has filed an application seeking a review of the court’s decision not to allow Jean Mensa to testify in court.