Six police officers appear in court

Six police officers who were indicted by the Okudzeto Commission of Inquiry into the Accra Sports Stadium tragedy on Thursday made their first appearance before an Accra Magistrate Court.

Their appearance was after bills of indictment were served on them. They are Chief Superintendent of Police Mr Korenteng Mintah, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr Frank Awuah, ASP Faakyi Kumi, ASP B.B. Bakomora, ASP John Naami and ASP Frank Aryee.

Prosecuting Police Inspector Peter Benneh did not present the facts of the case while Defence counsel represented all the officers.

Counsel for the officers prayed the court to grant them time to study summary of evidence, statements and the Commission of Inquiry's report since their client were not served with their bill of indictment early.

The magistrate Mrs. Elizabeth Adusei obliged and adjourned the case to 06 January 2003. The Police Administration had interdicted the six officers following their alleged involvement in disturbances that resulted in the death of 126 soccer fans after a league match between Accra Hearts of oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

However, they were recalled by the Administration a couple of weeks ago saying their continued interdiction was no longer necessary since investigations had been completed.

The fans died in a stampede when police fired tear gas into the stands to control people from throwing plastic chairs and other objects onto the field of play. President J A Kufuor set up the Commission to investigate the deaths, which are the worst in Ghana's sports history.