Supporters remanded into prison custody

Sunyani, (B/A) July 30, GNA - A Magistrate court in Sunyani on Monday remanded into prison custody seven supporters of Aduana Stars and Brong Ahafo (BA) United Football Clubs for rioting during a football match between the two at the Coronation Park in Sunyani.

They all pleaded not guilty to two charges of rioting and possessing of offensive weapons and were remanded to assist in police investigations. They are to re-appear on July 31, 2007.

The suspects are Kwame Barnieh, Nicholas Opoku, Kwabena Ansu, all drivers, Joseph Semi, trader, Rexford Kwadwo Adu, electrician apprentice, Muntari Braimah, pump attendant and Richard Brew, a tailor. The prosecutor, Chief Inspector Gilbert Adayuga told the court presided over by Mr. Albert Zoogah that the complainants in the case were senior police officers and soldiers stationed in Sunyani. Chief Inspector Adayuga said during a football match between the two teams on Sunday, July 29, Aduana Stars of Dormaa Ahenkro scored the first goal.

United however equalized but the referee ruled it offside and this infuriated the supporters of BA United who started throwing stones and other offensive objects at supporters of Aduana. Chief Inspector Adayuga said some supporters of the Aduana Stars also retaliated with similar objects but security personnel on duty quickly moved in to avert any blood shed.

He said the security personnel managed to arrest seven supporters of the two teams who had in their possession offensive weapons and stones and they were subsequently detained in police cells and later charged with the offence.