31 years for conspiracy to commit crime

Cape Coast, May 10, GNA - A Cape Coast Metropolitan Circuit Court on Monday sentenced two men to a total of 31 years after finding them guilty of conspiracy to commit crime.

Issifu Masawudu, 30, from Cherepone had 17 years while Emmanuel Akateeri, a native of Kadinga had 14 years. The second accused, Benjamin Kofi Tretu Mensah from Kwahu was remanded in custody to assist the police in their investigations. Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Osafo Kemin told the court presided over by Mrs Florence Kai Out that on May 3, 2010, police were detailed for a snap check duties at Nkwanta.

Chief Inspector Kemin said whilst on duty a Mercedes Benz approached the barrier with passengers on board including first accused, Emmanuel Akateeri, wearing a sports jacket belonging to the Ghana Army and a military bag containing two pairs of military camouflage uniform, a cap and beret. The prosecutor said Akateeri's behaviour became very suspicious, so officials on duty demanded his identity card but he could not produce one and was arrested.

Chief Inspector Kemin said the next day Benjamin Mensah and Issifu Masawudu, accused persons, on hearing that their colleague Akateeri had been arrested followed up. On arrival at the Saltpond Police Station they posed as military men and when they were interrogated by the District Police Commander, Emmanuel Odonkor, they confessed that they did not belong to the military. The prosecutor said a spot check on them revealed fake identity cards of the Ghana Armed Forces in their possession and that they were arrested and charged with the offence.