Jealous Ex-Assemblyman in Court

A former assemblyman for Teshie Tsui Bleoo Electoral Area on Friday appeared before a community tribunal for allegedly setting ablaze his wife's shop.

Frank Annang is alleged to have suspected that his wife, with whom he has a child, was in a relationship with a man in the area. Annang, who could not control his anger, set fire to the shop containing two sewing machines, textiles and a TV set all valued at about 35 million cedis.

He pleaded not guilty to intentionally causing unlawful damage and threat of death.

Annang admitted burning down the kiosk but said, "I provided funds for the putting up of the kiosk and even sponsored her to learn her trade".

The tribunal granted him 35 million cedis bail with a surety. It ordered the surety to deposit two million cedis at the court for the upkeep of their child before Annang could be granted bail.

He is to reappear on February 22.

Police Inspector Alice Yeboah told the tribunal that Annang visited the complainant on December 17 and accused her of flirting, which resulted in a quarrel between them.

A few hours afterwards, the accused set fire to the kiosk and also threatened to kill her.