Pastor arrested for possessing guns

A 44-year old pastor is in the grips of the Tema Police for allegedly possessing two locally manufactured pistols without authority.

Pastor Waife Kwabena Akenten, also known as "Osofo", was arrested by the Police Patrol team at his residence at Katamanso, in the Kpone - Katamanso District on Saturday, October 17, 2005 at about 19:30 hours.

Information from the Tema Police Public Relations Office indicate that the patrol team, which was on duty in the area gathered intelligence that Akenten was keeping firearms and some ammunition in his room.

A search conducted in his room revealed two locally manufactured pistols, a generator, cutlass and a hammer which the pastor claimed ownership.

Investigations by the police revealed that Akenten who is a member of a neighbourhood watchdog committee, purchased the guns from Kumasi.

He is said to have suggested to the members of the Committee that he had acquired the pistols, for them to use to complement their work, but his colleagues refused it and threatened to report him to the police, if he did not get rid of them.

Akenten has been remanded into police custody to reappear on October 26, 2015 on the charge of possessing firearms without authority.

Meanwhile, the Tema Police Regional Command has reminded neighbourhood watchdog committees that they are not allowed to carry weapons on their watch.

It urged them not to hesitate to contact the police on clarification concerning their operations.