A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal team, Nana Ato Dadzie has lauded the second petitioner, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the on-going 2012 election petition filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against the NDC and Electoral Commission (EC) for election rigging.
According to Nana Ato Dadzie, he is pleased with the process of the cross-examination by the first, second and third respondents and hoping all goes well after the proceedings.
Though many believe Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is been heckled by the opposing counsels, Nana Ato Dadzie says he is overwhelmed with the performance of Dr. Bawumia in the witness box despites numerous questions been bombarded at him.
“This is the best of the legal practice; the cross-examination is really at its best. I must also commend Dr. Bawumia for his resilience but quite clearly he has to concede quite a number of critical points when cross-examined by Mr. Tsikata,” he said.
Counsel for the Electoral Commission (EC), James Quarshie-Idun continued his cross examination of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia when the Court resumed sitting on Monday morning, but soon brought his interrogation to a close.
After Quarshie-Idun’s exit, the Lead Counsel for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Tsatsu Tsikata took his turn to cross examine the witness, who is also the second petitioner in the case.
However, Philip Addison Counsel for Dr. Bawumia objected to Tsikata’s interrogation of his client, arguing that since the first and third respondents had a common interest in the case, and since Tony Lithur, Counsel for President Mahama had already cross examined Dr. Bawumia, it would be appropriate if Tsikata’s interrogation is overruled by the nine panel judges.
Rather the court, over-ruled Lawyer Addison’s protest, thereby permitting Tsatsu Tsikata to begin his cross examination of the witness shortly before the Court went on a recess for lunch.
Speaking to the GTV, Nana Ato Dadzie said “Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata is entitled as of right to cross-examine. For instance if they are given the opportunity to cross examine, then the evidence of the witness would have to be expunged. Basically the essence of Mr. Tsikata’s cross examination has been to expose and show that the evidence of Dr. Bawumia cannot be wholly correct as he is saying,” he opined.