THE REPUBLIC vs. PATIENCE KAKPLESI FIAMANYA

1.0 Background 1.1 Judgment in this suit was scheduled for delivery on 30 March 2020. It could not be delivered due to the restrictive order that the President of the Republic issued in addressing the Coronavirus pandemic. The executive order, subject to a few exemptions, affected and restricted the movement of persons and residents within the Accra metropolis, certainly including the parties and their lawyers in the matter who as a result did not turn up in court, though the court was ready. Despite the absence of the parties and their lawyers, the lawyers kept contact with the court clerks and agreed with the clerk to reschedule the delivery of the judgment to today 11 May 2020. 1.2 Patience Kakplesi Fiamanya, the accused herein has been charged with the criminal offense of possession of a narcotic drug, Cannabis Sativa without lawful authority contrary to s.2(1) Narcotic Drug (Control, Enforcement, and Sanctions) Act, 1990 (PNDC Law 236). She pleaded not guilty to the charge. ...