Galamsey operator remanded for threat of death

Koforidua, May 19, GNA - Ibrahim Amadu, a 28-year-old galamsey operator, was on Thursday remanded into prison custody by a Koforidua Circuit Court for threat of death and causing harm. Amadu, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, would re-appear on May 26.

Police Chief Inspector Moses Ayao, prosecuting, told the court, presided over by Mrs Barbara Tetteh Charway, that the complainants in the case resided at Srodae, Okorase, Oguaa, Zongo and Effiduase all suburbs in Koforidua. He said on May 15 at about 0600 hours, the accused arrived in Koforidua to attend a wedding ceremony of one Abiba Salamatu. The prosecutor said Amadu upon arrival went to a drinking bar behind the Juaben Serwaa Market near Srodae and bought Gh¢ 6.00 worth of "GOAL" drink with the intention of getting drunk to able to disorganize Abiba's wedding since she did not inform him about the event.

The prosecutor said about 1000 hours, the same day, Selina Obeng, also known as Adwoa who sells banku and soup close to the drinking bar, advised the accused to buy food to eat and leave the place. Chief Inspector Ayao said the accused became offended by what Selina said and asked why men sitting around did not ask him to leave but a woman. He said the accused then threatened to assault Selina but her boyfriend, Kwabena Abanga intervened and warned the accused to desist from harassing his woman.

The prosecutor said the accused turned to fight Kwabena but one of the complainants, Awudu Jebrim, went to intervene. He said the accused was still not satisfied and went ahead to break the glass of a sieve containing 93polo" valued at GH¢ 9.00 belonging to Yaa Asantewaa, also a complainant. Chief Inspector Ayao said the accused took part of the broken glass and starting chasing Selina, who took to her heels. He said Selina ran towards his boyfriend's work place to inform him that the accused was after her with a broken glass.

The prosecutor said the accused, who got hold of a cutlass begun chasing Selina again and threatened to kill her. Chief Inspector Ayao said Selina ran on to the street in front of the Ghana Commercial Bank where she found a place to hide. He said the accused who was chasing Selina, now got to the street and started attacking people passing by. The prosecutor said at a stage, he broke a wind screen of a Hyundai taxi cab with registration number ER 533 R belonging to one Eric Osafo. He also broke a mobile phone showcase valued at GH¢ 300.00. Chief Inspector Ayao said two policemen heard of the incident and rushed to the scene where the accused resisted arrest and struggled with them. The prosecutor said the accused was eventually overpowered by the policemen and sent to the police station.