Woman fined for refusing chiefs summons

Hohoe (V/R), March 24, GNA - The Hohoe district court has fined Mercy Adu two million cedis for flouting the communal bylaw on quarrelling, showing gross disrespect and profanity towards the chief of Santrokofi Benua in the Hohoe District of the Volta Region.

Adu, whose plea changed to guilty for offensive conduct and breach of public peace was subsequently bonded by the court to be of good behaviour or face the brunt end of the law.

She found herself in this predicament when she flagrantly defied the communal bylaw instituted by the chief and his elders and Unit Committee executives of the area towards curbing the rampant disorder and indiscipline associated with quarrelling in the area.

The bylaw carried a fine of two bottles of schnapps.

Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Samuel Gbedemah told the court presided over by Mrs Janet Awobakudie that, on the evening of January 2, this year, Adu engaged one Adzo in a serious quarrel, which was witnessed by Mr Osborne Attah, Regent of the town, who later ordered the two to the chief's house.

He said Adu, who was engrossed in the quarrel got offended and exclaimed, "I would not go anywhere, I do not recognize the Regent and the so called bylaw" and also poured strings of obscene insults on the Regent.

Chief Inspector Gbedemah said Adu later defied an invitation extended to her by the Regent through an emissary and repeated the same words. He said the case was later reported to the police, who arrested and put her before the court.

One million cedis out of the fine was given to the chief and elders as compensation.