Crime & Punishment of Friday, 25 September 2009

Source: GNA

Street hawkers fined GH¢2,600

Kumasi, Sept. 25, GNA - A circuit court in Kumasi has imposed a fine totalling GH¢2,600 on twelve hawkers, who flouted Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) bye-law that banned people from trading in the streets.

The fines ranged from GH¢150 to GH¢500 and all the hawkers pleaded guilty to the charge. The court presided over by Mr. Justice Adjei Frimpong heard that KMA made an announcement through the media about an impending exercise to decongest the city. The public was also educated about the exercise and a notice asking traders and hawkers to vacate the streets and pavements was also put up. The offenders refused to comply with the ban after KMA's deadline. Mr Justice Frimpong said an earlier imposition of fines on offenders arraigned at court last year should have deterred others from committing the same offence. 25 Sept 09