Mahama takes his turn at the Commission

Corporal Thomas Mahama of the Accra Police Striking Force Unit, one of the 10 armed policemen on duty at the Stadium during the May 9 Accra Sports Stadium Disaster appeared before the Commission at its sitting to give his evidence.

Corporal Mahama, who looked well composed, however, said he did not use his weapon at all and returned it safely to the armoury.

He said he and his colleagues, who were armed were instructed to stand aside from those the unarmed by Chief Inspector Ampomah and WO Dwamena, who later instructed them to patrol the inner parameter and around the gates.

Corporal Mahama further said, they were also told to come into the arena when the match started to instil order and he did exactly as he was told.

He said, when he entered the arena, he was positioned at the scoreboard area and was later instructed by ASP John Naami go to the commentary box where he stayed till the end of the match and while he was there, he saw ASP Naami, ASP Benjamin Bakomora and Chief Superintendent Nana Koranteng Minta.

He told the Commission that, he saw ASP Naami and ASP Bakomora standing with the Policemen who fired.

Corporal Mahama had earlier on told the Commission that, before they went on duty at the stadium, their station Officer, Chief Inspector Abubakar told them how they should be equipped.

He said Inspector Abubakar selected those, who were to be armed and he went in for a stopper and rubber bullets, which he did not fire.

Constable Richmond Ofori was next to appear to give evidence. Constable Ofori, who is also with the Police Striking Force, was among the 10 men with arms and also acted on instructions from Inspector Ampomah and WO Dwamena as was given to them.

He said when the fans started throwing missiles Chief Superintendent Minta gave out the order for them to shoot.

Constable Ofori said he did not open fire because his weapon had then corked which disallowed him to shoot.

A laboratory test carried on his gun also proved that his weapon had not been used.

He said his superior Detective Sergeant Kyei gave him a pump action and 10 cartridges out of which three got lost and he returned the remaining seven to the armourer.