Court issues bench warrant for the arrest of Assin Chief

Cape Coast, May 21, GNA - The Cape Metropolitan Court on Thursday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Nana Wiredu Karikari I, Nifahene of Effutuakwa Traditional Area at Assin Foso, for failing to appear before it to answer a stealing charge against him and for insulting the police. The court presided over by Mrs Florence Kai Out also ordered the Police Officer investigating the case to make inquiries about the suspect at the US Embassy and submit its report to the court for further action.

The order was made after the Police informed the court that Nana Karikari, who is domiciled in the United States, had left the country. The chief, known in private life as Peter Acheampong, was summoned for court on May 13 but he failed to appear and the case was adjourned to Thursday but one Mr Kingsley Asante represented him and told the court that Nana Karikari was indisposed.

Mrs Out asked the police to summon the Chief for court on Friday and the case was adjourned but the Prosecutor, Chief Inspector Osafo Kanning, informed the court that neither the chief nor his representative was in court.

The complainant told the court that the chief had left the country last Friday after storming the Assin Fosu Police Station to rain insults on police officers on duty for daring to process him for court. The presiding Judge described the action of the chief as a disgrace to the chieftaincy institution, adding that she was disappointed by his "offensive conduct" and disrespect for the law court. She issued a bench warrant which, she said, should be in force until his arrest and pledged to ensure that Nana Karikari was extradited to answer the charges. The case has been adjourned to May 26. 21 May 10