Ex-soldier in court for attempted murder

Kumasi Oct. 26, GNA- A 69-year-old ex-soldier who allegedly opened fired on a mason at Owhimasen, near Kwadaso in Kumasi, on Thursday appeared before the Ash Town Magistrate's Court charged with attempted murder.

Akwasi Anane who pleaded not guilty and he was granted a 50 million-cedi bail would reappear before the court on November 16. The Police said at about 0830 on September 23, Mr Ernest Ampaw, the victim, was returning from the toilet when he met Anane who was on his way to his farm.

Anane, who was carrying a single barrel gun, on seeing Mr Ampaw remarked, "Is that you?"

He then dipped his hands into his pocket, brought out a live cartridge, loaded it and fired at Mr Ampaw. The source said Mr Ampaw narrowly escaped while Anane returned to where he was.

Mr Ampaw went to the Owhimase Police Station and lodged a complaint and Anane was arrested During Police interrogation Anane denied the offence saying that the gun went off after falling from his shoulder.