Chief, elders, in court for unlawful damage

Nana Akamoah II, Chief of Kadadwen near Tarkwa, and his elders on Tuesday appeared before a Takoradi Circuit Court for alleged conspiracy and causing unlawful damage. The elders were Abusuapanyin Abekah, Hayford Quayson, Kofi Ndele, Nana Masunu Ama, all farmers and Nana Abusuapanin Kweku Esiah, a herbalist.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to both charges and were each granted bail in the sum of GH¢ 250 with two sureties to re-appear on July 28. Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Felix Danku, told the court, presided by Mr. Justice Charles Nimako, that in the early part of April this year, the complainant, Kobina Dadzie, a miner, contacted a witness in the case for land close to his mining concession for fencing and storing his mining equipment.

He said the witness offered the complainant a portion of the land, which was his family land but later, the chief and his elders asked the complainant to meet them before using the land.

Chief Inspector Danku said on receiving the message, the complainant went to see the witness to find out whether there was any dispute about the land he had been given or not but the witness assured the complainant there was not any dispute over the land.

He said on June 10 this year, while preparing to meet the chief and his elders, the complainant was informed that the chief had allegedly organized his subjects, who went to the land and damaged cement blocks, water tanks, generator and other property valued at GH¢ 213,000 belonging to the complainant.

Chief Inspector Danku said on June 18, the complainant reported the case to the Police who arrested the accused persons on June 23. He said the accused persons admitted the offence during interrogation and were charged after further investigation.