Lawyer before court for assaulting police officer

Koforidua, Aug. 18, GNA- A former Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapem South, Mr. Seth Wiafe- Danquah, was on Friday put before a Koforidua circuit court for assaulting a police officer. The accused, a lawyer pleaded not guilty to the offence of assaulting a public officer and was granted bail in the sum of 30 million cedis to reappear on September 4.

Assistant Superintendent of Police, (ASP) Theophilus Nyadu, prosecuting, told the court that the complainant, Police Chief Inspector David Adra was the prosecutor at the Nsawam district court involving two persons who had been accused of assaulting a public officer. He said on the first day of appearance in court, Mr Wiafe-Danquah, who was the counsel for the accused persons, prayed the court to grant them bail but the prosecutor argued that the bail would impede investigations, which was upheld by the court.

ASP Nyadu told the court that on August 15, when the accused persons appeared before the court, Mr. Wiafe- Danquah, appealed that the prosecutor should be replaced and the prosecution assigned to another person since he had an interest in the case. That led to a misunderstanding between the two who exchanged words in the court room.

The prosecutor said the Presiding Magistrate, Mr Joseph Mensah, then called the two persons to order and asked them to resume their seats to which they complied. According to the prosecutor, after they had resumed their seats, Mr. Wiafe-Danquah then hit the complainant in the face with his hand and the case was later adjourned.

The complainant later reported the incidence to his superiors and after that lodged a complaint at the charge office where he was issued with a police medical form to attend hospital. ASP Nyadu said later on, the accused also went to the police station to make a counter report, but the complainant identified him and he was subsequently arrested and put before the court.