The fate of the two teenagers standing trial for the death of 10-year-old Ishmael Mensah Abdella in Kasoa, in connection with an alleged money ritual, will now be determined by the jury on Monday, October 21, 2024.
The date was fixed on Tuesday, October 15, after the case was called for the first time upon the resumption of the Legal Year.
On three previous occasions before this Legal Year, judgment was deferred after the jurors declared an indefinite strike over unpaid allowances.
In court on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the court stated that its summation is ready, and the addresses of both the prosecution and defense have been previously filed.
However, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo noted that the case must be adjourned for determination as the jurors made their first appearance in the case since June, following the strike.
The 18-year-old young offender, who is the second accused, made his first appearance in court since being committed to prison custody over alleged misconduct on June 24.
He is standing trial alongside a 15-year-old juvenile (the first accused) for the murder of 10-year-old Ishmael Mensah Abdella in Kasoa.
Background
On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, widely celebrated as Valentine’s Day, the second accused (the 18-year-old young offender) ended his defense. This occurred after his lawyers indicated they would not call any witnesses, moments after state prosecutors, led by Nana Adoma Osei, a Senior State Attorney, signaled the end of her cross-examination.
EIB Network Legal Affairs Correspondent Murtala Inusah reports that the prosecution called seven witnesses, including the father, mother, and sister of the 15-year-old juvenile.
The two teenagers have been charged with conspiracy and murder of 10-year-old Ishmael Mensah Abdella before the High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo.
While the 15-year-old juvenile (the first accused) has admitted to the offense and stated that they “committed the crime together,” the young offender (the second accused) has denied the charges.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
