The trial of Bawku Central Member of Parliament (MP), Mahama Ayariga, could not commence at an Accra high court due to the absence of the state’s first witness.
A prosecutor at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Michael Baafi, on Monday, informed the court that it intended to file a subpoena to force the witness to show up.
Mr Ayariga has been charged with using his public office for private gain by the Special Prosecutor, Mr Martin Amidu.
The MP has also been accused of tax evasion in the clearance of vehicles and illegal transfer of foreign exchange from Ghana to Dubai without having the required licence to undertake such transaction.
But, Mr Ayariga has maintained he was innocent, and accused the Special Prosecutor of unfairly targeting him.
The case has been on hold for months due to the challenge of Mr Amidu’s eligibility at the Supreme Court.
With that case out of the way, the trial was to commence on Monday, but Mr Baafi informed the court presided by Justice Afia Asare Botwe that he last communicated with the witness on Saturday.
He said he had arranged accommodation for the witness who was traveling from the Upper East Region.
Mr Baafi said the witness had informed him he was at the bus terminal preparing to come to Accra, but he has since not been able to reach the witness; prompting the OSP to consider a subpoena.
The case has been adjourned to October 13, by the court.
