Anas declines to reveal face to Nyantakyi, citing security concerns
Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has declined to reveal his face to former Ghana Football Association President, Kwesi Nyantakyi, and his lawyers in chambers before the court proceedings in a case where Anas is expected to testify against Nyantakyi.
Anas has turned down an invitation by the prosecution to testify due to concerns over his security.
The High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice Marie Louise Simmons, on Wednesday ordered Anas Aremeyaw Anas to testify in open court in the trial of Kwesi Nyantakyi.
However, to address the journalist’s security concerns, the court allowed Anas to disguise himself during his testimony. Justice Simmons granted the prosecution’s application for Anas to testify partially, stating that Anas had been seen in public wearing his beads as a mask, so testifying with his mask on in public would not be an issue.
Tiger Eye P.I., the private investigative firm led by Anas, issued a statement emphasising the dangers associated with revealing his face to Nyantakyi.
The statement explained, “As much as Anas is willing and ready to testify for the prosecution, doing so under the condition specified by the court presents a clear and present danger to his security and safety, especially because of the issues chronicled above.”
“Under these circumstances, prudence requires that he declines the invitation to endanger his life and accordingly declines the invitation to reveal his identity to the accused person in the judges’ chamber or any other place.”
“Tiger Eye endorses the position of Anas and states that it is proper and wise to err on the side of caution to avoid any potential attack on another of its investigators.”
The firm further endorsed Anas’s position, stating that caution is necessary to avoid potential attacks on their investigators.
The prosecution against Nyantakyi arises from the publishing of a controversial documentary named ‘Number 12:When Greed and Corruption Become the Norm’.
