Tsatsu Tsikata has been outsmarted - Gabby Otchere-Darko
He said Tsatsu Tsikata cannot allege and expect the respondents to make his case for him if they opt not to mount the witness box
Jonas Danquah 
A leading member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko says lead counsel for the petitioner, Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata should admit to being outsmarted by the lawyers of the Electoral Commission (EC) and President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Otchere-Darko's comments follow the counter-arguments made at the Supreme Court over the refusal of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission to mount the witness box in the Election Petition hearing.
“You do not allege and expect the respondents to make your case for you if they opt not to mount the witness box. Calling of witnesses is an option which a party can choose not to exercise if indeed that party sees it as not necessary.”
“Tsatsu should simply admit that he’s been outsmarted! It’s left with populist submissions for the ears of party activists,” he said.
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Jean Mensa trying to escape cross-examination - Tsatsu Tsikata alleges
On February 9, 2021, lawyers for the President, Nana Akufo-Addo and the Electoral Commission (EC) told the Supreme Court that they will not present any witnesses in the case ongoing election petition case.
This came after the conclusion of the cross-examination of the petitioner, John Mahama’s 3rd witness, Rojo Mettle Nunoo.
The defence lawyers were consequently expected to open their defence by announcing their witnesses.
They, however, unexpectedly announced that they will not call any witness.
Lead counsel for the EC, Mr Justin Amenuvor, told the apex court that his client, (EC), which is the first respondent has decided not to adduced any evidence and therefore the court should decide the petition filed by Former President John Dramani on its merit.
“It is our case that we would not wish to lead any further evidence, and therefore we are praying that this matter proceeds under order 36 rule 43 and C.I. 87 rule 3 (5) and we hereby on that basis, close our case.”
Lead counsel for President Nana Akufo-Addo, Akoto Ampaw also made a similar request.
Akoto Ampaw argued that the petitioner has not been able to make a solid case in court hence such decision.
But Mr. Tsikata disagreed. He accused Mrs. Mensa of evading cross-examination.
He has further argued for the application to be denied.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has adjourned hearing to Thursday, February 11, 2021, to rule on the said application.
