Accra, May 27, GNA - Sergeant Christian Koda of the Central Motor Transport Traffic Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service on Tuesday denied claims by Mr Kwame Boafo Akuffo, counsel for Thomas Osei, the man who drove into the President's car, that lack of attention from the policeman at the Opeibea intersection could have caused the accident. He said Constable Eric Frimpong who was at the intersection knew his work and did it efficiently.
Sergeant Koda was speaking during cross-examination by Mr. Akuffo at the ongoing trial of Osei. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges levelled against him and is on remand.
Asked by Mr. Akuffo whether Sgt. Koda knew the speed at which the car of the accused was travelling from Aviance to the Alliance Francaise, he said the speed could only be determined by an expert. He said because there were no brake marks at the accident scene it was difficult to conclude whether the accused attempted to apply the brakes.
Sergeant Koda said the President's Aide Decamp (ADC) and driver had told him that they saw Constable Frimpong at the middle of Opeibea intersection while the community police person was at the left side road median.
He said during the re-enactment of the accident scene and through his investigations it became clear that the distance between the first motorcycle that was around Golden Tulip Hotel and the second was 20 metres.
Asked by Mr Akuffo whether the sirens had been preserved for the President's car, he replied in the negative saying other institutions such as the ambulance, military, Fire Service and the Police could also use it.
Sergeant Koda said following his investigations on the accident he recommended to his superiors to strengthen security at the various intersections in the capital. Osei, 51, a businessman, has been charged with five counts of motor traffic offences, use of narcotic drugs and failing to change ownership of the vehicle.
The charges are dangerous driving, negligently causing harm, driving under the influence of alcohol, failing to give way to presidential siren and use of narcotic drugs. The President escaped unhurt. 27 May 08
