Acherensua Omanhene committed to High Court

Omanhene of Acherensua Traditional Area in the Brong Ahafo Region, Agyewodin Adu Gyamfi Ampem II, was on Monday committed to stand trial at the Sunyani High Court on January 14 on a charge of murder.

A Sunyani Community Tribunal chaired by Mr Charles Adjei Wilson, which had been hearing provisional charges against the chief, announced the committal after it had discharged him.

This followed the granting of an application of "nolle prosequi" filed by Mr Betuurisech Cab-Bayuo, Chief State Attorney. The Omanhene allegedly fired a gun into a group of youths at Acherensua in April this year killing one of them, Nii Atuquaye during a dispute over his enstoolment.

The tribunal ruled that Nana Ampem should remain on his former bail until otherwise directed by the high court. Earlier, Mr Cab-Bayuo told the tribunal that there was the need to commit the Omanhene to the high court and asked the tribunal to quash his bail sentence.

Mr Kwadwo Fordjour Otu-Essel, Leading Defence Counsel said the constitution did not prohibit the granting of bail for a person charged with murder.

He said the Omanhene had been reporting in court since he was granted bail and saw no reason why he should be refused a similar chance even if he had now been committed to stand trial at the high court.