The New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Assin Central Ken Agyapong lost his cool in open court on Tuesday (29 June 2021) during cross-examination by Sammy Darko, lawyer for private investigator and journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
The NPP firebrand is in court over a defamation case filed by Anas.
He got carried away when Darko told him during cross-examination to be briefed properly by his (Agyapong’s) lawyer.
Agyapong said he felt insulted by the comment, the state-owned Daily Graphic reported. The judge Justice Eric Baah had to intervene for the lawmaker to withdraw his insult.
Below is what ensured in court;
Kennedy Agyapong: You’ve to be careful the way you talk to me. You are very foolish. I’m an MP. You’re insulting an MP and supporting criminals.
Lawyer Sammy Darko: When the witness disrespects the bar, he disrespects the court, and desecrating the sanctity of the court.
The presiding judge, Justice Eric Baah, intervened and asked the MP to withdraw the statement he made.
“The words used are not acceptable and I call on the witness to withdraw his words,” he said.
Mr Agyapong withdrew his words and accordingly apologised.
Background
In June 2018, Anas sued the MP for allegedly defaming him and is asking for Ghc25million in damages.
The publication complained of are a May 29, 2018, live programme in Twi on Adom TV, where Mr Agyapong allegedly stated that Anas was a blackmailer, corrupt, an extortionist and evil.
According to the statement of claim, the defendant, in a similar manner, published defamatory words on May 31, 2018, via Oman FM, a private radio station owned by the defendant.
The statement of claim also stated that the defendant published more defamatory materials against the plaintiff via other platforms to the extent of releasing pictures purported to be those of the investigative journalist in his bid to blow the latter’s cover.
Source: Daily Mail GH
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