Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwasi Nyantakyi is now on trial for criminal charges, but investigative journalist Anas Aremyaw Anas has announced that he will no longer be testifying at the trial.
He argues that allowing his face to be seen prior to court proceedings puts him in danger. According to a MyJoyOnline publication, the High Court demanded that Anas testify against former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwasi Nyantakyi in open court.
The report says Mr. Nyantakyi will have the chance to see him in private before the testimony. In response to a request from Mr. Nyantakyi’s attorneys, the court made this decision. They had pleaded with the court to give them the chance to catch a glimpse of Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ true face.
This is connected to the criminal trial of the former football official that surfaced during the Number 12 documentary, which was aimed at exposing corruption in Ghanaian football.
In its ruling, the court said that it is in the interest of justice to give a citizen the resources they need to protect themselves when that person’s freedom is at risk.
Anas is a key witness in the case’s resolution, as stated. It was noted that his identity becomes essential for the accused to recognise him and be able to defend himself.
According to the court, Anas felt comfortable appearing in public while disguised because he was seen addressing the media while wearing his beaded masks.
“Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas will testify against former GFA President Kwasi Nyantakyi in open court, disguised in a mask. Mr. Nyantakyi will, however, have the opportunity to see his face in chambers before such testimony.”
However, the journalist says he needs to remain anonymous because he is an undercover journalist and revealing his identity will put his life in danger.
Anas said in a statement issued on May 18 that “Anas’s request for the protection of his identity stems from his role as an undercover agent and the real and elevated risk that revealing his identity to the accused person will severely compromise his physical security and personal safety.”
He claims that the only reason he agreed to take the stand in place of his murdered coworker, Ahmed Suale, was because he believed his identity would be safeguarded if he did so.
Therefore, he declines the offer to testify. So, “prudence requires that he decline the invitation to reveal his identity,” as the statement puts it. It’s a big challenge because the whole case depends on the work that Anas and his colleagues at Tiger Eye PI do.
The Attorney General can either withdraw the case or have another witness testify, or they can force Anas to testify at the risk of his not complying when he climbs the box.
