[1973]DLHC2214 • April 19, 1973 • High Court
WATALAH vs. GHANA PRIMEWOOD PRODUCTS LTD.
The plaintiff, an employee of Ghana Primewood Products Ltd., sustained serious injuries at work on 5 April 1971 when a log fell on his left leg, causing permanent disability and disfigurement. He sued the defendant company for general damages due to negligence. The plaintiff testified under oath, and the defendant's representative was present but did not challenge the evidence or present a defense.
read moreJUDGMENT OF CHARLES CRABBE J. The plaintiff sued the defendants for “general damages for injuries he sustained whilst at work on 5 April 1971 through the negligence of the defendant company.” When the case was called on 8 February 1973 for hearing, the plaintiff as well as his counsel were present. Counsel for the defendants though he had been served on 1 February 1973 was not in court. A representative of the defendants who gave his name as Isaac Essandoh was present. He said he had a message for the court. He was informed that the judge did not take messages on the bench. When allowed to explain he said that the message he intended for the court was that “the company had engaged a lawyer who says we must come to court.” Asked why the lawyer had so informed the company, Mr. Essandoh could not say. Counsel for the plaintiff called the plaintiff into the witness-box who gave evidence on oath. When Mr. Essandoh was asked if he had any questions to ask the plaintiff he said he ...