Seven chief, elders of Dormaa Omanhene before court

Sunyani, June 3, GNA - Seven chiefs and elders of the Dormaa Omanhene, on Monday appeared before the Sunyani Magistrate Court (B) for conspiracy and failing to notify the police of a special event to destool Nana Kwaku Boahen, chief of Kotokrom. The accused persons were Nana Bafour Kumi 56, Nana Kwame Ansu 78, Nana Kwasi Kyere Adontehene 75, Nana Kwame Ansu 76, Brafuohene, Okyeame Ansu 51, Okyeame Kwasi Addei 75, Nana Kwaku Abrokwa 71 and James Owusu. They all pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and failing to notify police on special event and were granted 10 million cedis bail each, to reappear on June 18 2006.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Kingsley Baafi told the court presided by Mr Albert Zoogah that, the accused persons are chiefs and elders of Dormaa Omanhene, whilst the complainants, Nana Boahen and Nana Akosua Ansuah, are queen mothers of Kotokrom.

He said on May 22, 2006, Nana Akosua reported to the police about the accused persons intention to destool Nana Boahen. Chief Inspector Baafi said the police based on the information invited Nana Kumi, who was the brain behind the whole operation but he failed to come to the police station".

The accused persons on May 23 beat a gong-gong and asked the inhabitants of Kotokrom to assembly at the chief palace for the destoolment, he said, adding that, true to their words they slaughtered a ram in front of the palace to signify that they have succeeded in their action.

He continued that the accuse persons and their supporters started jubilation after pronouncement that Nana Boahen has been distooled. He said the accused persons action brought confusion between their supporters and that of Nana Boahen with both sides attacking each other with cutlasses and other offensive instruments.

The prosecutor said, supporters of both sides sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment, whilst the case was reported at the police station for the arrest of the accused persons. 3 June 06