Police CID intimidates Deputy Chief of Staff’s accusers with court

The Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID), has been cited in a dubious web of intimidation in the case involving the Deputy Chief of Staff and Political Aide to President Akufo-Addo, Francis Asenso-Boakye, in which a group of supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), had accused him of pocketing their money.

Strangely, Stephen Amo, aka Osono, the leader of the pro-government Elephant Youth Association, was arrested shortly after picketing at the official residence of the Deputy Chief of Staff and hurriedly processed for court by the Ghana Police Service, based on a complaint lodged by Mr Asenso-Boakye, himself.

It is not clear, the content of the Mr Asenso-Boakye’s complaint, but “Osono” was charged for unlawful assembly in breach of the public order act.

Osono was arrested by personnel from the Police CID on Thursday, November 28 and was subsequently arraigned before Court on Friday, November 29, 2019; a day after his arrest.

The process was seen as a well thought through intimidation strategy. Normally, the police, will have granted him bail and continue their investigations in the matter.

But Gbcghanaonline.com reports that, it was an emotional sight at the Agyabeng Court, last Friday as Osono, who had led a demonstration at the bungalow of the Deputy Chief of Staff earlier in the week, was on his knees begging for mercy.

The Agyabeng Court, got “Osono”, a diehard NPP supporter to sign a bond to be of good behaviour.

According to Gbcghanaonline.com, immediately after the Court had read his charges to him, Amoh, did not hesitate to plead for forgiveness and was, made to sign a bond of good behavior lasting a year.

Osono was arrested after he led the group to picket at the private residence of the Deputy Chief of Staff, and levelled accusations of embezzlement against him.

The group, alleged that Asenso-Boakye, owes them and has refused to release funds given them by President Akufo-Addo.

Mr Asenso-Boakye has, however, denied the allegations. He said in a statement that he does not owe any person or group of persons money, nor has the President given him any money for any group of persons which he has withheld, as alleged.

He subsequently lodged a complaint with the police. He later in a statement, urged the public to disregard the claims.

“I wish to state categorically that I do not owe any person or group of persons money. Neither has the President given me any money due a group of persons which I have withheld as alleged.”

“It’s a well-orchestrated and vile attempt to cause disaffection and besmirch my reputation. I remain focused in performing my duties to His Excellency, the President and Government.”

The NPP group had on Wednesday morning stormed the residence of the Deputy Chief of Staff to demand some money they claim he owes them.

The group is said to be the initiator and operator of an elephant mascot that usually organises parades at political campaigns and rallies of the governing NPP.

The group claims Mr Assenso-Boakye, has also denied them all financial assistance from President Akufo-Addo.

A member of the group, who spoke to Class News, said: “Mr Assenso is owing us and we are here for our money. We hear the government has given the money to him to give to us, but he’s lying to us that he has paid the money to Mr.Osono, but MrOsono says he hasn’t received any money, so, we are demonstrating to collect our money.”

The National Youth Organiser of the NPP, Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, is said to have intervened and promised the angry youth he would resolve the matter and, therefore, arranged a meeting with the leadership of the group at the party’s head office for today.