By Prince Ahenkorah
The Supreme Court has dismissed an application filed by Nana Appiah Mensah, widely known as NAM 1, aimed at overturning decisions delivered by both the Court of Appeal and the High Court in his ongoing criminal trial.
The failed attempt marks yet another setback for the embattled CEO of the defunct Menzgold Ghana Limited, who has been battling multiple charges for years.
This latest development follows an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal, which rejected NAM1’s request to halt proceedings at the High Court.
His legal team had asked the appellate court to stay the trial while an appeal against a High Court directive ordering him to open his defence was still pending.
The High Court in 2024 had instructed NAM 1 to begin presenting his defence in a case in which he faces numerous charges, including selling gold without a valid licence, fraudulent breach of trust, defrauding by false pretence, and money laundering.
These charges stem from the collapse of Menzgold, which left thousands of customers with locked-up investments.
Following the High Court order, his lawyers immediately filed an appeal seeking to overturn the directive. At the same time, they submitted an application asking the Court of Appeal to put the trial on hold until their appeal against the High Court decision was determined.
However, on Monday, May 19, 2025, state prosecutors strongly opposed the request and urged the appellate court to reject it. They argued that the application was an attempt to overreach the powers of the court and lacked any compelling or exceptional grounds that would justify suspending the trial.
A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal chaired by Justice Gbiel Suurbaareh, with Justices Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe and Christopher Archer, unanimously dismissed the stay of proceedings application, clearing the path for the High Court trial to continue.
Dissatisfied with the outcome, NAM 1 escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking to challenge the appellate court’s ruling. But on Wednesday, December 10, the Apex Court has also dismissed his application, effectively affirming that he must comply with the earlier directive to open his defence.
In reaction to the ruling, Frederick Forson, spokesperson for the aggrieved Menzgold customers, expressed relief and satisfaction, describing the Supreme Court’s decision as a positive step toward justice for the victims of the Menzgold debacle.
He explained that the ruling paves the way for the High Court proceedings to resume without further delay.
“Our understanding is that the High Court trial can now proceed. Today, we were also told that they will file their reasons on the 17th of this month. So, as directed earlier, we will return to the High Court on the 16th, which is next week. We are very happy, and we appreciate what the court has done, just that it has kept long,” he said.
The Supreme Court’s decision brings renewed momentum to a case that has dragged on for years, increasing hopes among affected customers that closure may finally be in sight.