'New Tenant' of Police cell beaten up for failing to pay 'rent'

Awutu (C/R), Feb. 23, GNA - A new inmate in the Kasoa Police cell was beaten up for failing to pay GH¢ 3.00 as latecomer's fee to the 'landlord' of the cell.

Kwabena Akyeampong, who was in the Kasoa Police cell, beat up a fellow inmate, Nana Yaw Kumi for failing to pay the amount that was meant for the 'landlord'.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Helena Aidoo told the Awutu District Magistrate's Court, presided over by Mr Kofi Ahiabor that on Tuesday, February 19, 2008, Akyeampong subjected Kumi to severe beating at the cell, where both of them had been kept pending their trial. She said before the Police could reach them Kumi was on the floor and was bleeding.

Chief Inspector Aidoo said upon investigation it came to light that Akyeampong was demanding GH¢ 3.00 fee from Kumi for being a newcomer. The amount was to be given to a purported Leader of the cell. Before passing sentence, Mr Ahiabor warned inmates of Police cells against arrogating to themselves the status of 'landlords' and to demand monies from their colleagues. He said anyone, who wanted to become a landlord, should work hard while outside the cells, adding that the cells belonged to the Government and no inmate had the right to collect 'rent' on its behalf. He imposed a fine of GH¢ 300.00 on Akyeampong, who pleaded guilty to assaulting Kumi. He would serve six month's imprisonment in default. Before sentence was passed, Kumi pleaded with the Magistrate to forgive Akyeampong.