KKD not a free man – State presses rape charge

Despite the letter written to the police and other relevant bodies by 19-year-old alleged rape victim, Ewuraffe Orleans Thompson, declaring her disinterest in pursuing the case, the state has indicated its resolve to go ahead with the prosecution of ace broadcaster and entertainment personality, Kwasi Kyei Darkwah (KKD), for the offence.

After spending a couple of weeks in detention (19days), the Human Rights Court in Accra, last week granted KKD bail on humanitarian grounds.

And when the victim later wrote a letter to the police which was also copied to the Registrar of the court and the Chief Justice, the expectation of many was that, the state will file a nole prosequi (notice to discontinue with prosecution).

But that is not to be.

Peacefmonline sources say the state intends to press on with its prosecution in spite of the alleged rape victim’s open declaration of disinterest in the case.

State prosecutors say they have put together their evidence and the bill of indictment but are yet to serve the accused with a summary of the evidence gathered, and therefore prayed the court for a week’s adjournment to enable KKD’s counsel have access to the document.

This came to light when the case was called at the Magistrate Court in Accra Thursday morning.

The case was subsequently adjourned to Thursday January 29, 2015 to enable the prosecutors serve KKD with a summary of the evidence and the bill of indictment for his lawyers to study it.

After KKD is served, the case would move from the Magistrate Court to a higher court.

KKD was present in court today.

The Human Rights Division of the Accra High Court last week granted bail in the sum of Gh?20,000 with two sureties to KKD on humanitarian grounds after 19 days on remand.

Withdrawal of rape case

It would be recalled that the 19-year-old lady at the centre of rape case against KKD wrote a letter that she was no longer interested in pursuing the case.

She communicated her decision to the police and made copies of the letter available to the DPP, the Registrar of the court and the Chief Justice.

The two page letter, signed by the victim and issued on January 12, 2015 called on the authorities to stop the case, as she would not co-operate in the trial.

KKD’s apology

In a statement signed and issued in Accra by KKD on January 13, 2015, he asked the public to forgive him for the ridicule and disgrace he had caused to his family and that of the victim.