Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas in his trademark mask
The Court of Appeal has ordered investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas to appear in court without a mask in the ongoing case against former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kwesi Nyantakyi.
The panel ruled unanimously on Thursday, January 30, 2025, that Anas testifying without a mask constitutionally ensures the accused person receives a fair trial.
In the ruling, Justice Ackaah Boafo criticized the High Court’s initial decision to consider granting Anas’ request to testify in disguise, despite the Supreme Court having already ruled that the undercover journalist must testify without a mask.
“The doctrine of stare decisis binds lower courts to the decisions of higher courts, and as such, the High Court erred in revisiting an issue already settled by the Supreme Court,” the ruling stated.
The panel comprised Justices Anthony Oppong, Ackaah Boafo, and Aboagye Tandoh.
According to the ruling, the renowned investigative journalist must appear and testify in court without his signature mask in the state’s case against Nyantakyi.
The former GFA president faces charges from Anas’ 2018 investigative piece, the Number 12 documentary, in which the former football administrator was captured engaging in corrupt activities.
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