Regional Minister, three others discharged

Accra, May 7, GNA - A High Court in Accra on Thursday discharged Nii Armah Ashietey, the new Greater Accra Regional Minister, and three public officials after they had purged themselves of a contempt charge and rendered an apology.

The Regional Minister and three public officers, Mr F.T. Nartey, Chief Director of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, Mr J. A. Tufour, Director of Administration, Accra Metropolitan Assembly and Chief Okai, Metro Chief Security Coordinator halted construction work on the Tudu Lorry Park, ignoring the orders of the court, which had given the contractor the green light.

They further disobeyed the orders of the court by mobilizing policemen and guards to halt construction work being undertaken by Continental Sikaman Agencies Limited at the Tudu Lorry Park. The court, presided over Mr Justice David Ofosu-Quartey said what the respondents had done was honourable, noting that, they had purged themselves of the contempt charge. It further commended the Deputy Attorney General Dr. Barton Oduro for the mature way he handled the matter.

The court further discharged some tomato Sellers who were awaiting conviction for a similar charge. It ordered the contractor to commence work at the lorry park and extended the date within which to complete work on project by three months. It said it would not tolerate any acts of indiscipline among any party.

But the orders of the court were greeted with massive protest launched by some sympathizers of the tomato sellers waiting outside the court room. Some rained insults on the court and while others nearly stripped themselves naked, adding they were going to send their protest to the Castle.

When sitting resumed, Mrs Anna Pearl Akumi-Sireboa, a State Attorney who represented the Minister and Mr Nartey informed the court that Nii Ashietey was not in court because he was taking part in a national assignment.

According to her, the two were sorry and that their actions did not intend to disrespect the court orders. "If our action did cause any contempt we are really sorry and wish to withdraw letters have written."

Ms Selina Fenteng, who represented two of the respondents, said their actions arose from the Regional Minister and Mr Nartey's action adding they only acted on instructions.

Mr F.A. Yeboah, who represented the convicted tomato sellers said ever since they were convicted and were awaiting sentencing, they had never gone to the project site.

Mr Edward Darlington, who represented the applicant, Mr Kwame Dankwah said he was touched by the responses describing their action as honourable.

"Counsel have done what is honourable and I expect other members of the bar to do likewise so as to protect the court," Mr Darlington said. He said it was not their aim to ensure that they were incarcerated but to ensure that the proper thing was done. "We pray that the conviction of the respondents and the tomato sellers be rescinded since the import of our application has been established."

A contractor on April 21, this year filed a motion on notice at an Accra High Court to commit Nii Armah Ashitey and three public officials for contempt.

The Minister and the three public officials were said to have disobeyed the orders of the court by mobilizing policemen and guards to halt construction work at the Tudu Lorry Park. The Fast Track High Court had earlier ordered Kwame Danquah of Continental Sikaman Agencies Limited to complete work on the Lorry Park within 12 months and in an undertaking provide shops to the traders as soon as work was completed.

The suit said the four, who were aware of a pending suit, ignored the orders of the court and went ahead to halt work at the lorry station and their conduct should not go unpunished. According to Mr Danquah, the conduct of the four was wilful and calculated at bringing the authority of the court into dispute. Meanwhile, the same court did not comment on the sentences of eight members of the Tomato Traders Association, who had been found guilty for contempt. The eight, who were also aware of the suit, destroyed materials meant for work and moved to the foundation platform and turned it into a market place. 7 May 09