The Director of Legal Aid has been requested by the Accra High Court to appoint a lawyer for Bright Alan Debrah Ofosu, one of the ten defendants accused of plotting to topple the government. This came after the defendant requested defense representation since his previous attorney, Mr. Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu, withdrew his services and he was unable to pay for one.
“Things are difficult for me, I am pleading with the Court if it could get me a lawyer from the Legal Aid, I would appreciate it,” he prayed the Court. Before accepting his request, the three-member Court—which was comprised of Justices Hafisata Amaleboba, Stephen Oppong, and Justice Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe—noted that he had not appeared.
” He now says that he is not able to meet the financial obligations put up by lawyers, the Director of Legal Aid is, therefore, ordered to provide a lawyer for Debrah before March 13, 2023. “This is to give the new lawyer time to study the documents and conduct the cross-examination of Dr Frederick Mac Palm on March 13, 2023,” the Court added.
A few days ago, Debrah, a freight forwarder, informed the High Court hearing their case that Mr. Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu had ceased to be his client. At this time, all of the accused people had been ordered to provide their disclosures and were reporting back to court. He claimed Mr. Adawudu called and informed him that he (the lawyer) would be unable to represent him once more. As a result, he begged the court to grant him time to speak with him.
Debrah, who was unable to retain legal representation, begged the Court for more time to look for a new defense attorney but was unable to pay the fees. Bright Alan Debrah is facing a conspiracy charge to commit crime to wit high treason.
He is standing trial with Dr Frederick Mac-Palm, Donya Kafui, Johannes Zikpi, Colonel Samuel Kojo Gameli, Warrant Officer Class Two Esther Saan Dekuwine, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, Lance Airforce Corporal Ali Solomon, Corporal Sylvester Akankpewon and ACP Dr Agordzo. They have all denied their respective charges.
