The trial of Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga has been put on hold by an Accra High court.
Justice Afia Serwaa Botwe stayed proceedings, pending the Supreme Court’s decision of the legitimacy of Martin Amidu to hold the office of the Special Prosecutor.
Multimedia reporter, Joseph Ackah-Blay has reported that the lawyers for the MP had argued that the case couldn’t proceed in the face of a pending appeal they have filed, challenging an earlier ruling of the court.
The MP who has been charged with “using his public office for private gain” by the Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, had earlier urged the court to dismiss the case against him as he questioned the eligibility of Mr Amidu.
This was dismissed by the court presided over Justice Asare Botwe as it ruled that despite a pending suit questioning Mr Amidu’s eligibility at the Supreme Court, he could still file charges.
Mr Tamakloe, one of the lawyers for Mr Ayariga, told the court that they were seeking to overturn the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
He further stated that another case against the eligibility of the Special Prosecutor was also pending.
The Special Prosecutor’s office represented by Michael Baafi opposed the application, arguing that no harm would be caused Mr Ayariga’s case if the trial progressed.
He argued that the Court of Appeal, which is hearing the appeal and the Supreme Court, which is also hearing the Amidu eligibility case can make orders truncating the trial of the MP if it found merit in the case.
Passing judgment on Wednesday, Justice Botwe ruled that the trial would stand adjourned as the High Court awaited the decision of the apex court.