Rawlings' accuser discharged

Accra, Oct.13, GNA- A Circuit Court in Accra on Wednesday discharged Nana Darkwa, the man who accused former President Rawlings of burning his house.

Following numerous adjournment of the case, the court fixed today for a definite hearing. However, when the case was called, Deputy Superintendent of Police Mr. P.K Frimpong told the court that the Office of the Attorney General had taken over the prosecution. According to him, he had come to the court on a different case but said he would relay any information to the Office Attorney General. Mr. Mike Ocquaye Junior, who recounted the numerous adjournments, prayed the court to discharge his client and recall him whenever the prosecution was ready.

As soon as Nana Darkwa was discharged, his sympathizers whisked him away.

Nana Darkwa Baafi has been charged with publishing false news with the intent to cause fear and alarm during a discussion on a private radio station in Accra. He pleaded not guilty. The prosecution's case was that sometime in February this year, one Ishmael and the accused were contributing to a discussion on Top Radio, a local FM station during which the accused was alleged to have made the statement.

The accused was arrested by personnel from the Greater Accra Regional Police Command after a complaint by Mr. Kofi Adams, Spokesperson for Former President Rawlings. The Police rushed to the precincts of the station to protect life and property after a mob had thronged there to attack the accused. The police managed to whisk the panellists away. During interrogation, the accused admitted the offence and pleaded for forgiveness.