Supreme Court extends time for Mahama to file closing address

The Supreme Court has granted the petitioner, John Dramani Mahama, an extra day to file his closing address in the ongoing election petition.

The apex court has directed that his legal team, led by Tsatsu Tsikata, file their closing argument by the close of day on February 23, 2021.

The court’s decision comes after counsel for the petitioner notified the court of an application for leave of time.

The motion by Mr. Tsikata was greeted with strict opposition from the respondents (Electoral Commission and President Nana Akufo-Addo).

Counsel for the Electoral Commission, Justin Amenuvor, argued against the application. He said the court should not grant the request.

He argued that the petitioner for reasons best known to him failed to comply with the court’s directive.

Counsel for the second respondent, Akoto Ampaw, associated himself to the first respondent’s submission.

According to him, the petitioner’s legal team has already exhausted an 11-day grace period since the court announced they all file their closing addresses.

“On what basis can a party defy the court’s directive,” Mr. Ampaw quizzed.

Mr Ampaw insisted that the petitioner’s team have done nothing but undermine the court’s established practices.

But the seven-member panel sided with the petitioner and granted their request.