Human rights activist and lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor has signaled his intent to challenge a High Court ruling that went in favor of the former National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah.
In a detailed reaction shared via his social media, Barker-Vormawor described a series of procedural frustrations that led to his defense being struck out.
The activist outlined a timeline of events that he claims hampered his ability to present a full defense.
Following the appointment of his original counsel as a Deputy Attorney General, Barker-Vormawor was forced to seek new representation.
According to his statement, the transition between legal teams created friction in the courtroom.
Barker-Vormawor’s new counsel requested an adjournment to study the case files and file witness statements.
The presiding judge reportedly denied this request, ordering the new lawyer to proceed immediately with the cross-examination of the plaintiff, Albert Kan-Dapaah.
The situation escalated when Barker-Vormawor’s legal team missed a single court date.
Upon reviewing the court record, the activist discovered that the judge had moved to strike out his defense and set a date for final judgment.
”We filed a motion to relist the defense and filed my witness statement; We also filed a motion to arrest judgment.
The judge refused it and went ahead to give Kan-Dapaah judgment,” Barker-Vormawor noted.
The activist emphasized that the trial concluded without the completion of cross-examinations, a critical component of any legal defense.
He has confirmed that his team will seek to have the judgment set aside.
In a move toward transparency, he has invited the public to read the witness statements that the court allegedly refused to consider.
While Kan-Dapaah may be taking a “victory lap” following the ruling, the legal battle appears far from over as the defense prepares for the appellate process.
The legal tussle began after Albert Kan-Dapaah sued Barker-Vormawor for defamation regarding allegations made by the activist concerning an attempted bribe to silence the #FixTheCountry movement.
By 1960news.com
