A legal representative for Wontumi FM presenter Emmanuel Kwakye Asare has raised concerns over what he describes as unnecessary delays in securing bail for his client, who remains in custody despite pleading not guilty to charges against him.
Speaking on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM, lawyer Enoch Afoakwah said Kwakye Asare was arrested in Ejisu, Ashanti Region, and charged with one count of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace following a broadcast authorities claim contained unsubstantiated allegations related to the August 6 crash.
According to Afoakwah, prosecutors initially requested that Kwakye Asare be remanded to allow for ongoing investigations.
The defence applied for bail, which was declined. “He pleaded not guilty, yet he continues to be remanded,” the lawyer noted, adding that the case has faced multiple adjournments, with the next hearing scheduled for August 27.
During the most recent sitting at Accra Circuit Court 9, prosecutors admitted that disclosures were complete and would be filed at the registrar’s office on Monday, but still requested that the presenter remain in custody.
“We cannot understand why the prosecution still insists on keeping him detained when they say investigations are done,” Afoakwah stressed.
He cited the Supreme Court ruling in Kpebu vs Attorney-General (No. 2), Article 296 of the 1992 Constitution, and Section 96(6) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), arguing that bail is a constitutional right unless an accused pleads guilty or is convicted.
“Our concern is how the prosecution is handling this case, especially given that the law is clear on the conditions for granting bail,” he emphasised.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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