Abesim murder case: Prosecution to call first witness June 3

The prosecution will call its first witness on June 3. This is in the case against Richard Appiah. He is accused of murdering two children in Abesim, Bono Region.

Appiah, a draughtsman, allegedly kept parts of the victims' bodies in a refrigerator after the killings.

At the Accra High Court, Justice Ruby Aryeetey presided over a Case Management Conference on Wednesday. Appiah has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder before a seven-member jury.

The prosecution plans to call eight witnesses during the trial.

During jury selection, Appiah rejected three jurors for wanting “gender balance.” The prosecution is led by Nana Ama Adinkra, Senior State Attorney.

Both sides delivered their opening addresses in court. The prosecution stated it would rely on the bill of indictment filed earlier.

They plan to present an autopsy report and partially burnt clothes as evidence. They will also show pictures of the refrigerator where body parts were stored and photographs of the deceased.

The prosecution aims to prove the murder charges against Appiah. In response, defense counsel argued that finding corpses in Appiah's room does not prove he committed murder.

Counsel also mentioned that Appiah suffers from schizophrenia. This mental condition affects his ability to understand his actions' consequences.

The jury was advised to focus only on evidence presented in court. They should disregard any external information related to the case.

Appiah is on trial for allegedly murdering Louis Agyeman and Stephen Sarpong in 2021. He continues to deny all charges against him.