Crime & Punishment of Friday, 28 April 2006

Source: GNA

Court convicts sub-chiefs for flouting Public Order Act

Akyem Swedru (E/R), April 28, GNA - Three sub-chiefs and a former queen of Akyem Gyadam in the Birim South District of the eastern Region, who flouted the Public Order Act, was on Friday convicted and fined a total sum of one million, two hundred thousand cedis by the Akyem Swedru Circuit Court

The convicts, who were convicted on their own plea included Nana Akua Opoku ex-queen, Kwaku Boakye, Gyasehene, Kwame Kyere, Krontihene and Nana Boamah Nketiah, Saanahene.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Ben Osei Kwadwo told the court presided over by Mr Edward Kwame Bosompem Apenkwah that, on March 23 the convicts installed Nana Yaw Obri II, as the chief of Akyem Gyadam without notifying the police. The event later generated into disturbances in the town with an unidentified mop, destroying six houses and property belonging to an opposing faction.

Meanwhile, Police Chief Superintendent Ben Atadana, the Akyem Oda Divisional Commander had hailed the decision of the court and said it would serve as a deterrent to others, who took delight in flouting the Public Order Act with impunity.

He said the act was not meant for the police to interfere in chieftaincy affairs but rather to maintain law and order and advised the public to take steps to be conversant with the act.