Police Officer in ammunition deal

Accra, June 23, GNA - The case of four persons including two police officers, who were allegedly busted in their bid to sell 50 pieces of ammunitions, has been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General for advice.

The case, which was presented before a Circuit Court presided over by Mrs Ivy Heward-Mills, is to be put before another court. The accused persons, who are on remand include: Inspector Simon Amedekanya of the Tesano Police Station, Corporal Doris Oppong Asante of the Arm and Ammunitions Section, Tesano Divisional Headquarters, Isaac Saida, a trader and Kwabena Amoah.

Facing a provisional charge of possessing firearms without authority, their pleas are yet to be taken.

When the case was called, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) George Abavelim said although investigations were ongoing, they were mindful of the jurisdiction of the court in the matter. ASP Abavelim said the dockets had been sent to the Chief Justice Secretariat for it to be assigned.

Mrs Heward Mills said her court did not have the jurisdiction to hear the matter adding she was aware of the specialised courts set up by the Chief Justice and the case constituted one of those to be put before the specialized courts.

But the defence team, however, registered its displeasure over the way and manner the prosecution was being conducted. They contended that their clients should not suffer for the inadequacies of prosecution adding that the offence did not fall under those that a bail should be refused.

According to them, the offences allegedly committed had been merged with robbery.

"Because of administrative lapses, the case cannot be moved forward and backwards. When prosecution preferred the charges, they should have known the appropriate forum to send the case to," they added. Prosecution said Saida, is a dealer in spare parts while Amoah is the personal driver of Inspector Oppong Asante.

According to the prosecution the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) had information that on June 12, this year, some people were engaged in the illegal sale of firearms near the Achimota Overhead Bridge, and dispatched men to the scene.

Prosecution said accused were arrested with the guns packed in boxes and investigations revealed that on June 11, this year, one Obiri Yeboah, a friend of Saida, had called Saida on phone saying that one Alhaji wanted some guns to purchase.

Saida, therefore, contacted Inspector Amedakanya for assistance to arrange for the guns. Prosecution said efforts are being made to arrest the said Alhaji and the other accomplices.