Aplaku Chieftaincy Trial - One to hang the other goes in 25 years

Accra April 1, GNA - Francis Tetteh Yartey, alias Okumani, 43, Farmer was on Thursday sentenced to death by an Accra Fast Track High Court for murder while his brother, Tetteh Yartey alias Dan Breaker, 38, also aFarmer, went in for 25 years for causing harm. Okumani and Breaker were charged with murder and causing harm, respectively, with offensive weapons. They had pleaded not guilty but a seven-member Jury found them guilty of their respective charges. The two have 30 days to appeal against the sentences.

The case for the Prosecution was that in 1997, Nii Okoso Mensah was enstooled as Chief of Aplaku by Nii Kojo Ababoi Sempe Mantse and ever since there has been unrest in the village. The Prosecution said because of the enstoolment, on May 5, 1999, a protracted dispute erupted between the Sempe and Ada factions and during one of the clashes three people - Oko Ofori; Tawiah Ofori and one Amoah lost their lives.

The Prosecution said eight people identified Francis as the one who shot and killed the two brothers. He also shot one Busua Coffie in the leg and Odartso Botsoe in the breast. Breaker shot Victoria Adams in the leg and she was hospitalised for three weeks.