Court grants bail to alleged Osu Homowo rioters

Accra, Sept. 7, GNA - An Accra Circuit Court on Thursday granted bail in the sum of 100 million cedis each with one surety to five persons, who allegedly caused the riot at the Osu Homowo celebrations a fortnight ago.

The accused persons, Nii Tette Fio, 29, a driver;, Nii Abea Tackie, 25, a tailor; Ayittey Kwame Laryea, 30, and Kwame Nii Ansah, 20, both fishermen; and Ishmael Quaye, 23, a student; all pleaded not guilty to rioting, causing unlawful harm and causing extensive damage. The Court adjourned the case to October 10.

Arguing for bail, Counsel for accused persons, Mr Akwetey Yoyowah told the Court that his clients would not create any confusion in the area now that the celebration was over.

The Prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police Eric Amoako, told the Court that the Chiefs and people of Osu celebrated their annual Homowo on August 22.

He said while the Chief was sprinkling the traditional food, Kpokpoi in and around the palace, the accused persons and others numbering about 30 attacked him and his followers and threw stones at them.

DSP Amoako said some of the stones hit three people - Kwame Amoah, Ivy Odartey and Richard Coleman - who sustained various degrees of injuries.

He said some of the stones fell on the roof of a house causing extensive damage. DSP Amoako said the Policeman on duty arrested the accused persons.