<<Print>>

The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, has pleaded not guilty to charges levelled against him in relation to a purported leaked tape in which he was alleged to have incited members of the party to cause violence.

His counsel, Mr Tony Lithur, also told the Accra High Court that his client would mount a spirited defence to protect his fundamental human rights, including seeking a constitutional interpretation on his right to privacy.

“He intends to vigorously defend his fundamental human rights,” Mr Lithur said.

Ampofo and the Deputy Communications Director of the NDC, Anthony Kwaku Boahen, were dragged to court by the Attorney-General (A-G) for allegedly inciting violence against the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs Jean Mensa, and the Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), the Most Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante.

It is the case of the A-G that the said act was committed during a meeting Ampofo had with NDC communicators on February 3, 2019, just after the by-election in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency which was marred by violence.

Standing in the courtroom, which was packed with bigwigs of the NDC, including former President John Dramani Mahama, Ampofo and Boahen pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to cause harm.  Ampofo separately pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault on a public officer.

Bail application

Following a bail application made by their respective counsel, Ampofo and Boahen were each granted bail in the sum of GH¢100,000, with one surety, by the court, presided over by Justice Samuel Asiedu.

Making a case for bail, Mr Lithur argued that the case was an abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the A-G, and, therefore, there was no basis for the legal action against his client.

He prayed the court to admit Ampofo to bail on the basis that he was not a flight risk but would always make himself available to answer to the charges levelled against him.

“He is the Chairman of the biggest opposition party in the country, the election season is heating up and he will be required to be in the country. He will, therefore, be available anytime he is required to attend court,” Mr Lithur submitted.

Counsel for Boahen, Dr Abdul Basit Bamba, on the other hand, described the charges as frivolous and vexatious, with no basis in fact and law.

According to him, his client had an alibi to prove that he was not at the said meeting where the A-G claimed the comments inciting the party communicators were made.

He further prayed the court to admit his client to bail because he was a public figure and was also not a flight risk.

The A-G, Ms Gloria Akuffo, did not oppose the bail applications but urged the court to attach conditions that matched the charges levelled against the two accused persons.

Hearing continues on May 16, 2019.