By William Yaw Owusu
Friday, 29 September 2006
THE trial of the five policemen accused of their involvement in the disappearance of 77 parcels of cocaine from the Tema Port, took a new turn yesterday, when fresh charges were preferred against them.
They now face five counts of conspiracy, importation of narcotic drugs without licence, abetment, possession of narcotic drugs without lawful authority, and doing prohibited business related to narcotic drugs.
Also charged with them is Asem Darko, popularly called Sheriff, who is alleged to have carted the 77 parcels of cocaine away
The five policemen were released on bail on Monday when prosecution replaced the charges against them with that of extortion, but the Attorney-General ordered their re-arrest on Tuesday, saying the prosecutor acted without consulting higher authority.
The prosecutor, Mr Cab-Beyou, has consequently, been replaced by Ms Getrude Aikins, also a Chief State Attorney.
A bench warrant has been issued for one of the accused, Detective Sergeant Samuel Yaw Amoah, who is said to have absconded to Togo soon after they were granted bail on Monday.
The others, Sergeant David Nyarko, Lance Corporal Dwamena Yabson, Lance Corporal Peter Bundorin, and Sergeant Isaac Asante who were in court, were remanded in police custody until October 27.
The accused were on September 25, granted ¢300 million bail with one surety reach, after the prosecutor withdrew the charge of abetment and replaced it with extortion for which all the accused pleaded not guilty.
The Attorney-General, Mr Joe Ghartey, evoked the powers vested in him under Article 88 of the constitution, countermanded the decision and ordered their re-arrest.
At the trial yesterday, the new prosecutor, Ms Aikins told the packed court that the country "is being suffocated with cocaine. We must act to save the situation."
She said the state had followed the dictates of the constitution to bring the policemen to court, adding "they may interfere with investigations if they are granted bail."
She said the prosecution would lay before the court the full facts of the case on the next adjourned date.
The court had earlier been told that on April 26, the accused persons stationed at the Tema New Town, Community One and Kpone all in the Tema Regional Command had information that Sheriff was taking delivery of parcels of cocaine at the Kpone Beach, near Tema Harbour.
They were said to have abetted with Sheriff to off load 77 parcels of cocaine, rode in Sheriff’s vehicle to his residence where they took some money and allowed him to go.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Thursday, September 28, 2006
ESCAPE ATTEMPT FOILED
By William Yaw Owusu
Thursday, 28 September 2006
A man, who posed as a national security operative and attempted getting access to Kwabena Amaning, popularly called Tagor, standing trial for his involvement in the missing 77 parcels of cocaine from the MV Benjamin vessel, has been arrested by the police.
Police believe he went there to discuss with Tagor an escape plan.
Jeff Ankrah, 26, allegedly told personnel at the Osu Police station where Tagor is being held that he was instructed by Mr. Francis Poku, the National Security Minister, to contact and interrogate the suspected drug baron. But when police personnel on duty at the station asked for his identify card, he could not produce it.
He said his mission at the station was confidential, and bordered on national security and had to be executed with dispatch.
Briefing newsmen in Accra yesterday, Assistant Superintendent of Police James Annor of the Osu District Police, said Ankrah was at the station on Monday "at a time when the police and Electoral Commission Officers were busily working on the ballots for the district assembly elections slated for the following day".
ASP Annor said Ankrah told the policeman at the charge office that he was there to see Tagor "on a very important national security issue on the instructions of Mr. Poku.
"The policeman believed him because Ankrah was very bold and confident in his approach and could produce telephone numbers of the offices of National Security off hand", he said.
However, just as Ankrah was about to see Tagor, the policeman informed the station officer who demanded to see the suspect’s identity card which he could not produce consequently, he was arrested.
DSP Annor said during interrogations, Ankrah said he worked with his sister at a restaurant at Adabraka, Accra, where Tagor used to eat.
The suspect, according to the police officer claimed he was at the police station to seek financial assistance from Tagor and denied that he was there to facilitate his (Tagor’s) escape the next adjourned date.
ASP Annor also disclosed that a woman had lodged a complaint against Ankrah for duping her of ¢ 18 million under the pretext of securing her a visa to travel abroad.
The woman also accused Ankrah of stealing her ¢25 million and mobile phone.
Ankrah, according to ASP Annor, posed as a special assistant of Captain Nkrabeah Effah Dartey (rtd) former Deputy Minister of the Interior, to convince the lady to part with the money.
ASP Annor indicated that Ankrah will soon be put before court and charged with posing as a public officer.
Thursday, 28 September 2006
A man, who posed as a national security operative and attempted getting access to Kwabena Amaning, popularly called Tagor, standing trial for his involvement in the missing 77 parcels of cocaine from the MV Benjamin vessel, has been arrested by the police.
Police believe he went there to discuss with Tagor an escape plan.
Jeff Ankrah, 26, allegedly told personnel at the Osu Police station where Tagor is being held that he was instructed by Mr. Francis Poku, the National Security Minister, to contact and interrogate the suspected drug baron. But when police personnel on duty at the station asked for his identify card, he could not produce it.
He said his mission at the station was confidential, and bordered on national security and had to be executed with dispatch.
Briefing newsmen in Accra yesterday, Assistant Superintendent of Police James Annor of the Osu District Police, said Ankrah was at the station on Monday "at a time when the police and Electoral Commission Officers were busily working on the ballots for the district assembly elections slated for the following day".
ASP Annor said Ankrah told the policeman at the charge office that he was there to see Tagor "on a very important national security issue on the instructions of Mr. Poku.
"The policeman believed him because Ankrah was very bold and confident in his approach and could produce telephone numbers of the offices of National Security off hand", he said.
However, just as Ankrah was about to see Tagor, the policeman informed the station officer who demanded to see the suspect’s identity card which he could not produce consequently, he was arrested.
DSP Annor said during interrogations, Ankrah said he worked with his sister at a restaurant at Adabraka, Accra, where Tagor used to eat.
The suspect, according to the police officer claimed he was at the police station to seek financial assistance from Tagor and denied that he was there to facilitate his (Tagor’s) escape the next adjourned date.
ASP Annor also disclosed that a woman had lodged a complaint against Ankrah for duping her of ¢ 18 million under the pretext of securing her a visa to travel abroad.
The woman also accused Ankrah of stealing her ¢25 million and mobile phone.
Ankrah, according to ASP Annor, posed as a special assistant of Captain Nkrabeah Effah Dartey (rtd) former Deputy Minister of the Interior, to convince the lady to part with the money.
ASP Annor indicated that Ankrah will soon be put before court and charged with posing as a public officer.
ESCAPE ATTEMPT FOILED
By William Yaw Owusu
Thursday, 28 September 2006
A man, who posed as a national security operative and attempted getting access to Kwabena Amaning, popularly called Tagor, standing trial for his involvement in the missing 77 parcels of cocaine from the MV Benjamin vessel, has been arrested by the police.
Police believe he went there to discuss with Tagor an escape plan.
Jeff Ankrah, 26, allegedly told personnel at the Osu Police station where Tagor is being held that he was instructed by Mr. Francis Poku, the National Security Minister, to contact and interrogate the suspected drug baron. But when police personnel on duty at the station asked for his identify card, he could not produce it.
He said his mission at the station was confidential, and bordered on national security and had to be executed with dispatch.
Briefing newsmen in Accra yesterday, Assistant Superintendent of Police James Annor of the Osu District Police, said Ankrah was at the station on Monday "at a time when the police and Electoral Commission Officers were busily working on the ballots for the district assembly elections slated for the following day".
ASP Annor said Ankrah told the policeman at the charge office that he was there to see Tagor "on a very important national security issue on the instructions of Mr. Poku.
"The policeman believed him because Ankrah was very bold and confident in his approach and could produce telephone numbers of the offices of National Security off hand", he said.
However, just as Ankrah was about to see Tagor, the policeman informed the station officer who demanded to see the suspect’s identity card which he could not produce consequently, he was arrested.
DSP Annor said during interrogations, Ankrah said he worked with his sister at a restaurant at Adabraka, Accra, where Tagor used to eat.
The suspect, according to the police officer claimed he was at the police station to seek financial assistance from Tagor and denied that he was there to facilitate his (Tagor’s) escape the next adjourned date.
ASP Annor also disclosed that a woman had lodged a complaint against Ankrah for duping her of ¢ 18 million under the pretext of securing her a visa to travel abroad.
The woman also accused Ankrah of stealing her ¢25 million and mobile phone.
Ankrah, according to ASP Annor, posed as a special assistant of Captain Nkrabeah Effah Dartey (rtd) former Deputy Minister of the Interior, to convince the lady to part with the money.
ASP Annor indicated that Ankrah will soon be put before court and charged with posing as a public officer.
Thursday, 28 September 2006
A man, who posed as a national security operative and attempted getting access to Kwabena Amaning, popularly called Tagor, standing trial for his involvement in the missing 77 parcels of cocaine from the MV Benjamin vessel, has been arrested by the police.
Police believe he went there to discuss with Tagor an escape plan.
Jeff Ankrah, 26, allegedly told personnel at the Osu Police station where Tagor is being held that he was instructed by Mr. Francis Poku, the National Security Minister, to contact and interrogate the suspected drug baron. But when police personnel on duty at the station asked for his identify card, he could not produce it.
He said his mission at the station was confidential, and bordered on national security and had to be executed with dispatch.
Briefing newsmen in Accra yesterday, Assistant Superintendent of Police James Annor of the Osu District Police, said Ankrah was at the station on Monday "at a time when the police and Electoral Commission Officers were busily working on the ballots for the district assembly elections slated for the following day".
ASP Annor said Ankrah told the policeman at the charge office that he was there to see Tagor "on a very important national security issue on the instructions of Mr. Poku.
"The policeman believed him because Ankrah was very bold and confident in his approach and could produce telephone numbers of the offices of National Security off hand", he said.
However, just as Ankrah was about to see Tagor, the policeman informed the station officer who demanded to see the suspect’s identity card which he could not produce consequently, he was arrested.
DSP Annor said during interrogations, Ankrah said he worked with his sister at a restaurant at Adabraka, Accra, where Tagor used to eat.
The suspect, according to the police officer claimed he was at the police station to seek financial assistance from Tagor and denied that he was there to facilitate his (Tagor’s) escape the next adjourned date.
ASP Annor also disclosed that a woman had lodged a complaint against Ankrah for duping her of ¢ 18 million under the pretext of securing her a visa to travel abroad.
The woman also accused Ankrah of stealing her ¢25 million and mobile phone.
Ankrah, according to ASP Annor, posed as a special assistant of Captain Nkrabeah Effah Dartey (rtd) former Deputy Minister of the Interior, to convince the lady to part with the money.
ASP Annor indicated that Ankrah will soon be put before court and charged with posing as a public officer.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Accused In DHL 'Wee' Case Remanded
By William Yaw Owusu
Wednesday, 27 September 2006
The Greater Accra Regional Tribunal has for the third time, refused bail to Roger Ocloo, an employee of DHL courier service, and Ellis Tamakloe, a student, for their involvement in the alleged attempt to export cannabis to the United Kingdom.
The tribunal, chaired by Mr. Justice Frank Manu, on August 6 and September 20, refused them bail.
Declining the bail the third time yesterday, the tribunal explained that their applications were still premature and subsequently adjourned the case until Friday.
When the case was called yesterday, Mr. Joseph Turkson, counsel for Ocloo, apologised to the tribunal over the conflict that arise between him and Mr. Patrick Sogbojor, counsel for Tamakloe over the tribunal’s decision to grant bail to Ocloo on September 20, following the clash, the tribunal decided to remand the two suspects.
He told the court that he and his colleague had resolved to work together to contest the case. He then renewed the application for bail for the accused.
Ocloo and Tamakloe have been charged with conspiracy to export cannabis without lawful authority.
At their first appearance before the tribunal, Mr. Alex Annor, a Principal State Attorney, said the police had forwarded the substance to the Ghana Standards Board for analysis but the report was still not ready.
The facts of the case are that on August 30, Ocloo took a parcel to the DHL office in Accra to be sent to the UK but the operational manager discovered that it contained some compressed dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
The DHL subsequently reported the matter to the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) and that led to the arrest of Ocloo.
A search in Ocloo’s room led to the discovery of a number of waybills including the one used for the unsuccessful export.
During investigations, Ocloo mentioned Tamakloe as the one who gave the parcel to him.
Tamakloe upon his arrest also told the police that one Harry Campbell, now at large, gave it to him to post to the UK.
Wednesday, 27 September 2006
The Greater Accra Regional Tribunal has for the third time, refused bail to Roger Ocloo, an employee of DHL courier service, and Ellis Tamakloe, a student, for their involvement in the alleged attempt to export cannabis to the United Kingdom.
The tribunal, chaired by Mr. Justice Frank Manu, on August 6 and September 20, refused them bail.
Declining the bail the third time yesterday, the tribunal explained that their applications were still premature and subsequently adjourned the case until Friday.
When the case was called yesterday, Mr. Joseph Turkson, counsel for Ocloo, apologised to the tribunal over the conflict that arise between him and Mr. Patrick Sogbojor, counsel for Tamakloe over the tribunal’s decision to grant bail to Ocloo on September 20, following the clash, the tribunal decided to remand the two suspects.
He told the court that he and his colleague had resolved to work together to contest the case. He then renewed the application for bail for the accused.
Ocloo and Tamakloe have been charged with conspiracy to export cannabis without lawful authority.
At their first appearance before the tribunal, Mr. Alex Annor, a Principal State Attorney, said the police had forwarded the substance to the Ghana Standards Board for analysis but the report was still not ready.
The facts of the case are that on August 30, Ocloo took a parcel to the DHL office in Accra to be sent to the UK but the operational manager discovered that it contained some compressed dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
The DHL subsequently reported the matter to the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) and that led to the arrest of Ocloo.
A search in Ocloo’s room led to the discovery of a number of waybills including the one used for the unsuccessful export.
During investigations, Ocloo mentioned Tamakloe as the one who gave the parcel to him.
Tamakloe upon his arrest also told the police that one Harry Campbell, now at large, gave it to him to post to the UK.
Pool Efforts To Manage Disasters - W.A. Urged
By William Yaw Owusu
Wednesday, 27 September 2006
THE National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Co-ordinator, George Isaac Amoo, has called for the integration of disaster management organizations in the West Africa sub-region to collectively manage disasters effectively.
"Disasters go beyond earthquakes, and Tsunamis to encompass pandemics and drought. We should therefore not relent in our efforts to integrate our contingencies and share a common platform in disaster management."
Mr Amoo was speaking to newsmen at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra on Sunday on his arrival from Bonn, Germany where he attended a two-day conference on disaster management organized by the European Union.
The three-member delegation was led by Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, Minister of the Interior. Ghana, Angola and Cameroun were the only three countries from Africa invited to participate in the event.
Mr Amoo said the European approach to and experience in disaster management was worthy of emulation and "we will use this platform to galvanise the interest of all stakeholders so that we can act more appropriately."
He said the application of information technology in disaster prevention and management was another area that Ghana should not take for granted. "With little expertise we can make a headway."
Mr Amoo said NADMO through the Ministry of the Interior will present a proposal to government to support the integration process.
Wednesday, 27 September 2006
THE National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Co-ordinator, George Isaac Amoo, has called for the integration of disaster management organizations in the West Africa sub-region to collectively manage disasters effectively.
"Disasters go beyond earthquakes, and Tsunamis to encompass pandemics and drought. We should therefore not relent in our efforts to integrate our contingencies and share a common platform in disaster management."
Mr Amoo was speaking to newsmen at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra on Sunday on his arrival from Bonn, Germany where he attended a two-day conference on disaster management organized by the European Union.
The three-member delegation was led by Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, Minister of the Interior. Ghana, Angola and Cameroun were the only three countries from Africa invited to participate in the event.
Mr Amoo said the European approach to and experience in disaster management was worthy of emulation and "we will use this platform to galvanise the interest of all stakeholders so that we can act more appropriately."
He said the application of information technology in disaster prevention and management was another area that Ghana should not take for granted. "With little expertise we can make a headway."
Mr Amoo said NADMO through the Ministry of the Interior will present a proposal to government to support the integration process.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
5 POLICEMEN IN THE TEMA COCAINE CASE GIVEN BAIL
By William Yaw Owusu
Tuesday, 26 September 2006
THE five policemen standing trial for their involvement in disappearance of 77 parcels of cocaine from the MV Benjamin Vessel at the Tema Port, were yesterday granted ¢300 million bail each with one surety by a Circuit Court in Accra under an amended charge of extortion.
They are Detective Sergeant Samuel Yaw Amoah, General Sergeant David Nyarko, Detective Lance Corporal Dwamena Yabson, General Lance Corporal Peter Bundirn and General Sergeant Isaac Asante all of the Tema Regional Police Command.
The prosecution did not oppose the application for bail.
The accused persons who were originally being tried in two separate groups, for abetment, now have their dockets merged under a charge of extortion.
They pleaded no guilty and the court presided over by Mr. Justice Frank Manu, the Regional Tribunal Chairman, adjourned further hearing to November 2.
Amoah, Nyarko and Yabson were the first to appear before the court on September 12 and were followed by Bundorin and Asante on September, 18.
Chief State Attorney Bab Beyou, prosecuting told the court that the five policemen who are based at the Tema New Town, Community One and Kpone Police stations on April 26, had information that Sheriff, now at large, was taking delivery of parcels of cocaine at the Kpone Beach, near Tema.
"They mobilized themselves to effect his arrest but on the contrary they went, saw the substance alright and decided to ‘close’ their eyes.
"They even had a ride with Sheriff in his vehicle to his residence and allowed him to go with the "goods," Mr. Beyou said.
In asking for bail for Amoah, Nyarko and Asante, Mr. Musah Ahmed, their counsel, told the court that the police could not disclose how much sheriff purportedly gave to his clients.
James Enu who represented Yabson, said his client had been diagnosed of a heart ailment and needed time to treat himself, while Benard Ahiafor, counsel for Bundorin said section 239 of the Criminal Code empowers the court to grant self-cognisance bail to the accused as far as the charge preferred against them was concerned.
Mr. Beyou said: "We will not resist the application for bail, but they have to prove their worth."
Tsibu-Darko Refused Bail Again
By William Yaw Owusu
Tuesday, 26 September 2006
PRINCE Tsibu-Darko, 49, a Tema-based businessman standing trial for narcotic drug offences was again refused bail when he appeared before an Accra circuit court yesterday.
It was the sixth time he had been refused bail pending the completion of investigations into the case. His plea has not been taken and he is to appear again on October 5.
When the case was called, ASP George Abavelim, told the court that the prosecution had referred the matter to the Attorney-General’s Department for further action.
"I went there this morning to see the state of affairs but I was told that a firm decision has not been taken and was therefore asked to take a date," he told the packed court.
This prompted defence counsel, Gabriel Pwamang, to renew his application for bail for the accused person.
He argued that once the prosecution was not anxious to try the accused person, the court had every right "to admit him to bail."
He said, "The court holds the balance of the liberties of the individual as well as the state and in this instance, it must be seen to be doing justice to all manner of people."
He said Tsibu-Darko had visited the hospital on two occasions since his arrest, adding "he must be handled with care to ensure a fair trial."
But the judge remarked: "Let the police take the accused to the hospital for proper medical treatment."
Tsibu-Darko, owner of the Koreana Hotel and Komaney Forex Bureau in Tema, was arrested on August 9 on suspicion of dealing in narcotic drugs.
The prosecution said on his first appearance that he owns a fishing company and does other activities including the distribution of narcotic drugs, particularly cocaine,.
World Heart Day Launched
By William Y. Owusu
Tuesday, 26 September 2006
This year's World Heart Day was launched at the Kaneshie Presbyterian Church in Accra on Sunday.
The week-long event under the theme "How young is your heart?" will be celebrated throughout the country and rounded up with a heart day walk at Tema on September 30.
Launching the day, Dr. Frances Kwamin, Chairman of the World Heart Day planning committee, said "It has become necessary to disseminate information on heart diseases because in most cases, such diseases are easily preventable if the public will be educated to lead healthy lifestyles."
He identified heart disease and strokes as the largest killers, claiming 17.5 million lives every year, adding "In every group of 10 people, six die of heart-related diseases especially in the ages between 35 to 55."
Dr.Kwamin said activities such as regular exercising, eating healthy diet and non-smoking are good steps towards achieving a healthy lifestyle.
He said his team had already visited some mosques to sensitise Moslems on the dangers of heart diseases."
We want to focus on the religious bodies in the dissemination since they are a major agents of change in society," he added.
The event was jointly organised by the Ghana Society of Hypertension and Cardiology and the Federation of Ghana Medical Students' Association and Partners.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Tagor, Others For fast Track Court
By William Yaw Owusu
Friday, 22 September 2006
FOR the fifth time, a Circuit Court in Accra has refused bail to five people charged over the disappearance of 77 parcels of cocaine from the MV Benjamin vessel at the Tema Port.
This time, the reason assigned for the adjournment was to enable the prosecution to transfer the case to a Fast Track High Court after the legal vacation.
The five, Kwabena Amaning, also called Tagor, Issah Abbas who could not appear in court due to ill health, Kwabena Acheampong, Kwadwo Ababio and Victor Kisseh, popularly called Yaw Billah, are to appear before the court again on October 9.
They are facing provisional charges of conspiracy, engaging in prohibited business related to narcotic drugs, establishing and promoting enterprise relating to narcotic drugs.
Chief State Attorney Getrude Aikins told the packed court that "we intend to prosecute this case at the Fast Track High Court as this court is not yet automated".
She said "we want to ask for a date which will coincide with the opening and commencement of the new legal year".
Ms. Aikins told the court that the prosecution was waiting for the report of the Justice Georgina T. Wood Committee (the body set up by the Minister of the Interior to investigate the missing cocaine), "after which we will review it in the light of our charges in addition to the evidence gathered before we can move on".
Immediately the Chief State Attorney made her submission, the defence counsel made up of Nana Asante Bediatuo, Osafo Buabeng, Mohammed Sannie, Agyei Mensah and R.S. Blay took turns to denounce what Ms. Aikins said, in their bid to renew their applications for bail for the accused persons.
Nana Bediatuo argued that once the Regional Crime Officer of the Police Service had come out in a statement to say that they were after persons other than the accused for the missing cocaine, "therefore will be no need to continue to detain our clients".
He said also that on the fact sheet presented by the prosecution, the police claimed that the offence was committed in November last year, but the police statement indicated that the same offence was committed in April this year.
"This is a clear violation of the constitutional requirement and the state has consistently abused the liberties of the clients in this case".
Mr. Buabeng said, "to say that the case will be tried at a Fast Track Court on another day shows that the accused have to be discharged in this court".
For his part, Mr. Sannie said that "the submission made by the Chief State Attorney shows clearly that the charge preferred against our clients are completely fabricated".
Mr. Agyei Mensah submitted that "in this case the provision of section 96 of the Criminal Procedure Code Act 30 has been infringed upon by the prosecution".
Mr. Blay for his part, said the whole case was based on conjecture and rumour yet the accused persons were being denied bail.
Ms. Aikins then cut in to say that the nature of the case demanded a thorough investigation and added the prosecution was following the dictates of the constitution and due process to ensure a speedy and successful trial.
At the end of it all, the judge ruled that the application for bail was premature.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Defence Counsel Clash Over Clients' Bail
By William Yaw Owusu
Thursday, 21 September 2006
Two lawyers who are defending Roger Ocloo, an employee of DHL courier service and Ellis Tamakloe, a student yesterday "clashed" at the Greater Accra Regional Tribunal where the two accused persons are standing trial for conspiracy to export cannabis without lawful authority.
The two defence counsel argued over the decision of the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Frank Manu, to grant bail to Ocloo and remand Tamakloe.
Ocloo’s counsel, Joseph Turkson had renewed an application for bail for his client on their second appearance which was granted by the tribunal.
The tribunal declined bail for the two on their first appearance on August 6.
Patrick Sogbojor, counsel for Tamakloe however, raised an objection to the tribunal’s decision to grant Ocloo bail saying that the cannabis was found on Ocloo and not his client and that if a bail was to be granted it should rather go to Tamakloe.
Mr. Turkson, visibly furious, remarked, "you cannot talk like that. The issue of "possession" is yet to be proved by the prosecution. You are going to complicate matters for your client."
He argued that his client was able to identify Tamakloe who brought the cannabis saying, "by virtue of our employment we have the right to handle these things."
Mr. Turkson said it was not unusual that the waybills were found on Ocloo, adding that it was his (accused) duty at DHL to enter them in the record books.
Mr. Sogbojor countered by saying that Tamakloe helped the police to get to Harry Campbell (the man who is alleged to have given the cannabis to Tamakloe to post) and added that it is the police that committed blunders, leading to their inability to apprehend the third offender."
"It is not at my client’s instance that Harry has not been apprehended," he added.
The tribunal Chairman then rescinded his decision to grant bail to Ocloo and remanded the two men into police custody until September 27, and urged both counsel to exercise restraint and allow the police to conduct further investigations.
The two men are charged with conspiracy to export cannabis without lawful authority.
A Principal State Attorney, Alex Annor, at the last sitting told the court that the police had sent the substance to the Ghana Standards Board for analysis and the report was not ready as at yesterday.
The prosecution said that on August 30, Ocloo brought a parcel to the DHL office in Accra to be sent to the UK but the operational manager discovered that it contained some compressed dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
The DHL subsequently reported the matter to the Narcotic Control Board leading to the arrest of Ocloo.
A search in Ocloo’s room led to the discovery of a number of waybills including the one used for the unsuccessful export.
During interrogation, Ocloo mentioned Tamakloe as the one who gave the parcel to him.
Tamakloe upon his arrest also told the police that one Harry Campbell now at large gave it to him to post to the U.K.
Thursday, 21 September 2006
Two lawyers who are defending Roger Ocloo, an employee of DHL courier service and Ellis Tamakloe, a student yesterday "clashed" at the Greater Accra Regional Tribunal where the two accused persons are standing trial for conspiracy to export cannabis without lawful authority.
The two defence counsel argued over the decision of the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Frank Manu, to grant bail to Ocloo and remand Tamakloe.
Ocloo’s counsel, Joseph Turkson had renewed an application for bail for his client on their second appearance which was granted by the tribunal.
The tribunal declined bail for the two on their first appearance on August 6.
Patrick Sogbojor, counsel for Tamakloe however, raised an objection to the tribunal’s decision to grant Ocloo bail saying that the cannabis was found on Ocloo and not his client and that if a bail was to be granted it should rather go to Tamakloe.
Mr. Turkson, visibly furious, remarked, "you cannot talk like that. The issue of "possession" is yet to be proved by the prosecution. You are going to complicate matters for your client."
He argued that his client was able to identify Tamakloe who brought the cannabis saying, "by virtue of our employment we have the right to handle these things."
Mr. Turkson said it was not unusual that the waybills were found on Ocloo, adding that it was his (accused) duty at DHL to enter them in the record books.
Mr. Sogbojor countered by saying that Tamakloe helped the police to get to Harry Campbell (the man who is alleged to have given the cannabis to Tamakloe to post) and added that it is the police that committed blunders, leading to their inability to apprehend the third offender."
"It is not at my client’s instance that Harry has not been apprehended," he added.
The tribunal Chairman then rescinded his decision to grant bail to Ocloo and remanded the two men into police custody until September 27, and urged both counsel to exercise restraint and allow the police to conduct further investigations.
The two men are charged with conspiracy to export cannabis without lawful authority.
A Principal State Attorney, Alex Annor, at the last sitting told the court that the police had sent the substance to the Ghana Standards Board for analysis and the report was not ready as at yesterday.
The prosecution said that on August 30, Ocloo brought a parcel to the DHL office in Accra to be sent to the UK but the operational manager discovered that it contained some compressed dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
The DHL subsequently reported the matter to the Narcotic Control Board leading to the arrest of Ocloo.
A search in Ocloo’s room led to the discovery of a number of waybills including the one used for the unsuccessful export.
During interrogation, Ocloo mentioned Tamakloe as the one who gave the parcel to him.
Tamakloe upon his arrest also told the police that one Harry Campbell now at large gave it to him to post to the U.K.
Court Dismisses Contempt Case Against GPRTU
By William Yaw Owusu
Wednesday, 20 September 2006
AN Accra High Court has dismissed a contempt application filed against the national executive of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and five officers of the Accra – Kpando branch of the union.
The court, presided over by Mrs. Justice F. Owusu Arhin, ruled on Monday that the respondents, Freeman Adjei, Samuel Jakamanyi, Charles Doe, John Agodoa, and Winfred Kuma, all of the Accra-Kpando branch of GPRTU, who are backed by the national office, did not violate the law to warrant contempt proceedings against them and awarded ¢10 million against the applicants.
The suit had jointly been filed by Francis Kwaku Agyei, Samuel Mensah, Moses Owusu-Ansah, Lawson Asiamah, Raphael Nyame and Godson Ayeh, who are also claiming to be executives of the same branch.
The substantive matter involves which of the two groups has the right to hold itself as the body to manage the affairs of the Accra-Kpando branch of the GPRTU – TUC, a lorry station adjacent to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.
The whole case started in January 2005 when the old executive (plaintiffs) sued the GPRTU and its new executives challenging their purported removal from office following an election.
The plaintiffs then sought an interim injunction to restrain the new executives from holding themselves as officers of the station and called for a new interim management committee which was granted by Mr. Justice K. Abada.
Being dissatisfied with the ruling the defendants filed for a stay of execution, pending appeal and it was granted by Mr. Justice P.K. Gyaesayor at another High Court in August, 2005.
"Since there was a stay of execution our solicitor advised us that we could be in office but we should not do anything that would disturb the injunction orders until the Court of Appeal heard the substantive application which we did", the defendants contended in their affidavit in opposition.
"Since the commence-ment of this suit we have not even taken any money from the accounts of the union because doing so would amount to contempt and our continuous stay in office has been as a result of the stay of execution granted in respect of the court," the defendants added.
The plaintiffs on the other hand contended that even though the suit was pending, the respondents continued "to act in the very capacity in which we sought to restrain them".
They claimed that at the time of filling the contempt application, the national executives had given their co-defendants directions to conduct some new registration exercise at the station and believed that the action amounted to disrespect of the court.
The judge in dismissing said that the defendants did not fall foul to the law and their stay of execution had freed them from performing their duties.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Two more Cops on trial over cocaine
By William Yaw Owusu
Tuesday, 19 September 2006
Two more policemen were yesterday arranged before an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in the disappearance of 77 parcels of cocaine from M.V. Benjamin, a vessel at the Tema Port.
This brings to five the number of policemen arrested in connection with the case in which five drug barons are also standing trial at another Accra Circuit Court.
The two officers are General Sergeant Isaac Asante and General Lance Corporal Peter Bondorin, both of the Tema Regional Command.
They were reported to have intercepted the consignment at the Kpone beach bear Tema in April, this year, but allowed one Sheriff, now at large, who took possession of the narcotic drugs to cart them away.
They were charged with abetment of crime and the court, presided over by Mr. Justice Frank Manu, who is also the Greater Accra Regional Tribunal Chairman, remanded them in police custody until September 25.
When the case was called, Principal State Attorney, Alex Annor, told the court that once the matter was in relation to the one involving the three policemen who were last week remanded, the prosecution wanted the court to adjourn it to September 25 to enable it to put the different cases together in one docket. This the court granted.
The two policemen had no legal representation.
The statement of offence read "sometime in April 2006 at Kpone Beach, you did abet one Sheriff to take delivery of quantity of narcotic drug (cocaine) with the sole purpose of distributing them in Ghana without lawful authority."
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the cocaine consignment from the vessel had for months now been the subject of public interest and necessitated the setting up of the Justice Georgina T. Wood Committee by the Minister of the Interior.
Tuesday, 19 September 2006
Two more policemen were yesterday arranged before an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in the disappearance of 77 parcels of cocaine from M.V. Benjamin, a vessel at the Tema Port.
This brings to five the number of policemen arrested in connection with the case in which five drug barons are also standing trial at another Accra Circuit Court.
The two officers are General Sergeant Isaac Asante and General Lance Corporal Peter Bondorin, both of the Tema Regional Command.
They were reported to have intercepted the consignment at the Kpone beach bear Tema in April, this year, but allowed one Sheriff, now at large, who took possession of the narcotic drugs to cart them away.
They were charged with abetment of crime and the court, presided over by Mr. Justice Frank Manu, who is also the Greater Accra Regional Tribunal Chairman, remanded them in police custody until September 25.
When the case was called, Principal State Attorney, Alex Annor, told the court that once the matter was in relation to the one involving the three policemen who were last week remanded, the prosecution wanted the court to adjourn it to September 25 to enable it to put the different cases together in one docket. This the court granted.
The two policemen had no legal representation.
The statement of offence read "sometime in April 2006 at Kpone Beach, you did abet one Sheriff to take delivery of quantity of narcotic drug (cocaine) with the sole purpose of distributing them in Ghana without lawful authority."
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the cocaine consignment from the vessel had for months now been the subject of public interest and necessitated the setting up of the Justice Georgina T. Wood Committee by the Minister of the Interior.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Tibu-Darko Remanded Again
By William Yaw Owusu
Saturday, 16 September, 2006
FOR the fifth time, Prince Tibu-Darko, 49, a Tema-based businessman standing trial on suspicion of dealing in narcotic drugs, was refused bail when he appeared before an Accra circuit court on Thursday.
When the case was called, Chief Inspector Ben Darfuor, who stood in for ASP George Abavelin, the prosecutor, prayed the court to adjourn the case for a week to enable the prosecution to refer the case docket to the Attorney General’s Department for study and advice
This prompted Gabriel Pwamang, counsel for Tibu-Darko, to renew an application for bail for the accused.
He said: "We are dealing with the liberties of an accused person which has been taken by the state. There is a lot of lackadaisical attitude on the part of the prosecution in this matter.
"The prosecution is not anxious to put him on trial even though we are ready to contest this case.
The non-prosecution of this case is an unreasonable encroachment of his liberties," he added.
He said the defence was prepared to comply with orders and conditions of the court and would appear to stand trial if granted bail.
Chief Inspector Darfuor at this stage cut in to say. "It is not a deliberate act to delay the court processes. This case comes under the narcotic related offences and we need to act properly."
The judge then remanded Tibu-Darko until September 25 saying, "the arguments made by counsel are no difference from those that were made earlier on and which I refused a bail."
Tibu-Darko, owner of the Koreana Hotel and Komaney Forex Bureau in Tema, was arrested on August 9 on suspicion of dealing in narcotic drugs.
The facts as presented by DSP Abarelin on the accused’s first appearance were that Tibu-Darko owns a fishing company in addition to the hotel located at Community 12, Tema.
The accused, according to him does other activities apart from the hotel business, and "these include the distribution of narcotic drugs, particularly cocaine."
The prosecutor said the police mounted surveillance on the accused and he was arrested on August 9.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Woman Brings Husband Down From Pylon
By William Yaw Owusu
Friday,September15,2006
TWENTY-TWO days ago, it took the diplomacy of personnel of the Fire Service at Ejisu in Ashanti, to convince Thomas Kwasi Ameyaw, 32, to descend from a high tension pylon on which he was perching precariously.
Last Wednesday, it was the intervention of his wife and little daughter, Maame, that did the trick in getting him down from the 30-metre high pylon, this time at Dzorwulu, near the World Miracle Church, Accra.
“Bra Ameyaw, Maame wants to see you. Please, come down,” was all that it took Ameyaw to respond to his wife’s plea via a megaphone.
From about 12 noon to 5 pm on Wednesday, large crowds of people gathered under the pylon watching Ameyaw high up on the pylon in his birthday suit (naked).
In the Ejisu incident, he requested the presence of his mother, who resides in Takoradi, before he would descend after two days perching “closer to God,” but he was lured to get down by the service personnel.
On Wednesday, his wife won him back to earth, even though he had earlier threatened that he would never come down again should he see a female there.
Before bringing in his wife, the police had cordoned off the area, and when Ameyaw saw his wife and heard her pleading, he could not resist her. He descended a few minutes after 5 pm, and his wife handed to him a shirt and a blue pair of jeans to wear.
He did not utter a word but accepted the clothes and dressed up. The police then whisked him away to the Kotobabi Police station for questioning.
Earlier at about 3 pm, an official of the Fire Service climbed up to try to convince him to descend and also to give him a pair of shorts which he wore before climbing to the top, but he declined and threw the shorts down.
Speaking to the Times, an eyewitness, Mr Peter Wallace, said he was taking his car to a nearby fitting shop when he saw a man entering the bush surrounding the pole.
“Initially, I thought he was entering there to attend to nature’s call as some people usually do there.”’
“All of a sudden, I overheard a little boy shouting that a man was climbing the pylon and when I looked up, he was half way through.”
Mr Wallace said they tried to convince Ameyaw to get down but he would not listen and instead, went up and perched there .
Mr Richard Ghanney, Chief Technical Engineer of the VRA, who was also at the scene, said that Ameyaw’s action compelled them to put out one of the lines which carries 161,000 volts for many hours.
“This man has forced us to switch off one of our major lines and there is surely going to be economic loss,” he said.
Mr Ekow Blankson, a Deputy Director of Operations, Ghana National Fire Service, who led the firemen to the scene, confirmed that Ameyaw was the same person who climbed the Ejisu pylon.
In February this year, the Times reported another incident in which a man identified only as Korshie, made the top of a tree opposite the Holy Spirit Cathedral at Adabraka his home for six months.
Korshie was later removed from his abode by a team of firemen.
By William Yaw Owusu
TWENTY-TWO days ago, it took the diplomacy of personnel of the Fire Service at Ejisu in Ashanti, to convince Thomas Kwasi Ameyaw, 32, to descend from a high tension pylon on which he was perching precariously.
Last Wednesday, it was the intervention of his wife and little daughter, Maame, that did the trick in getting him down from the 30-metre high pylon, this time at Dzorwulu, near the World Miracle Church, Accra.
“Bra Ameyaw, Maame wants to see you. Please, come down,” was all that it took Ameyaw to respond to his wife’s plea via a megaphone.
From about 12 noon to 5 pm on Wednesday, large crowds of people gathered under the pylon watching Ameyaw high up on the pylon in his birthday suit (naked).
In the Ejisu incident, he requested the presence of his mother, who resides in Takoradi, before he would descend after two days perching “closer to God,” but he was lured to get down by the service personnel.
On Wednesday, his wife won him back to earth, even though he had earlier threatened that he would never come down again should he see a female there.
Before bringing in his wife, the police had cordoned off the area, and when Ameyaw saw his wife and heard her pleading, he could not resist her. He descended a few minutes after 5 pm, and his wife handed to him a shirt and a blue pair of jeans to wear.
He did not utter a word but accepted the clothes and dressed up. The police then whisked him away to the Kotobabi Police station for questioning.
Earlier at about 3 pm, an official of the Fire Service climbed up to try to convince him to descend and also to give him a pair of shorts which he wore before climbing to the top, but he declined and threw the shorts down.
Speaking to the Times, an eyewitness, Mr Peter Wallace, said he was taking his car to a nearby fitting shop when he saw a man entering the bush surrounding the pole.
“Initially, I thought he was entering there to attend to nature’s call as some people usually do there.”’
“All of a sudden, I overheard a little boy shouting that a man was climbing the pylon and when I looked up, he was half way through.”
Mr Wallace said they tried to convince Ameyaw to get down but he would not listen and instead, went up and perched there .
Mr Richard Ghanney, Chief Technical Engineer of the VRA, who was also at the scene, said that Ameyaw’s action compelled them to put out one of the lines which carries 161,000 volts for many hours.
“This man has forced us to switch off one of our major lines and there is surely going to be economic loss,” he said.
Mr Ekow Blankson, a Deputy Director of Operations, Ghana National Fire Service, who led the firemen to the scene, confirmed that Ameyaw was the same person who climbed the Ejisu pylon.
In February this year, the Times reported another incident in which a man identified only as Korshie, made the top of a tree opposite the Holy Spirit Cathedral at Adabraka his home for six months.
Korshie was later removed from his abode by a team of firemen.
TWENTY-TWO days ago, it took the diplomacy of personnel of the Fire Service at Ejisu in Ashanti, to convince Thomas Kwasi Ameyaw, 32, to descend from a high tension pylon on which he was perching precariously.
Last Wednesday, it was the intervention of his wife and little daughter, Maame, that did the trick in getting him down from the 30-metre high pylon, this time at Dzorwulu, near the World Miracle Church, Accra.
“Bra Ameyaw, Maame wants to see you. Please, come down,” was all that it took Ameyaw to respond to his wife’s plea via a megaphone.
From about 12 noon to 5 pm on Wednesday, large crowds of people gathered under the pylon watching Ameyaw high up on the pylon in his birthday suit (naked).
In the Ejisu incident, he requested the presence of his mother, who resides in Takoradi, before he would descend after two days perching “closer to God,” but he was lured to get down by the service personnel.
On Wednesday, his wife won him back to earth, even though he had earlier threatened that he would never come down again should he see a female there.
Before bringing in his wife, the police had cordoned off the area, and when Ameyaw saw his wife and heard her pleading, he could not resist her. He descended a few minutes after 5 pm, and his wife handed to him a shirt and a blue pair of jeans to wear.
He did not utter a word but accepted the clothes and dressed up. The police then whisked him away to the Kotobabi Police station for questioning.
Earlier at about 3 pm, an official of the Fire Service climbed up to try to convince him to descend and also to give him a pair of shorts which he wore before climbing to the top, but he declined and threw the shorts down.
Speaking to the Times, an eyewitness, Mr Peter Wallace, said he was taking his car to a nearby fitting shop when he saw a man entering the bush surrounding the pole.
“Initially, I thought he was entering there to attend to nature’s call as some people usually do there.”’
“All of a sudden, I overheard a little boy shouting that a man was climbing the pylon and when I looked up, he was half way through.”
Mr Wallace said they tried to convince Ameyaw to get down but he would not listen and instead, went up and perched there .
Mr Richard Ghanney, Chief Technical Engineer of the VRA, who was also at the scene, said that Ameyaw’s action compelled them to put out one of the lines which carries 161,000 volts for many hours.
“This man has forced us to switch off one of our major lines and there is surely going to be economic loss,” he said.
Mr Ekow Blankson, a Deputy Director of Operations, Ghana National Fire Service, who led the firemen to the scene, confirmed that Ameyaw was the same person who climbed the Ejisu pylon.
In February this year, the Times reported another incident in which a man identified only as Korshie, made the top of a tree opposite the Holy Spirit Cathedral at Adabraka his home for six months.
Korshie was later removed from his abode by a team of firemen.
Anglicans Support Ban On Gays & Lesbians
By William Yaw Owusu
Thursday, September 14,2006
THE Anglican Church has thrown its weight behind the government’s decision to ban the hosting of an international conference of homosexuals and lesbians in Ghana.
“It is important for us as a church to stand against this practice and we fully support the government for banning the proposed conference”, Reverend Cannon Professor Emeritus John S. Pobee, Vicar General of the Anglican Church said.
He was speaking at the installation of the Very Reverend Emmanuel Isaac Kpakpo Addo as the Dean of the Anglican Diocese of Accra at the Most Holy Trinity Cathedral on Sunday eve.
Rev. Kpakpo Addo becomes the sixth dean of the Cathedral and succeeded Rev. Jehoshaphat A. Ocquaye who retired after a 10-years of dedicated service.
The installation ceremony was performed by the Most Reverend Dr. Justice O. Akrofi, Archbishop and Primate of the Church of the Province of West Africa and Bishop of Accra.
Continuing his address, Professor Emeritus Pobee said “Church leaders must show discipline in order that the congregation will also do the right thing.”
He said the Anglican Church had a focus on youth development and they were making everything possible to tap the potential of the youth.
Rev. Pobee also said that it was time for the church to stop blocking attempt to appoint the youth in leadership position for future development.
“I respect old age but it is now time to unearth the talent of the youth to ensure that our heritage remains intact.”
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
3 Policemen Charged With Missing Cocaine
By William Yaw Owusu
Wednesday, September 13,2006
THREE policemen were yesterday arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in the disappearance of 77 parcels of cocaine from MV Benjamin, a vessel, at the Tema Port.
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the cocaine consignment from the vessel has for months now, been the subject of public interest and has necessitated the setting up of the Justice Georgina Wood Committee by the Minister of the Interior.
The three are Detective Sergeant Samuel Yaw Amoah, General Sergeant David Nyarko and Detective Lance Corporal Dwamena Yabson all with the Tema Regional Command.
They were said to have intercepted the consignment at the Kpone Beach near Tema but allowed one Sheriff, now at large, who was with the narcotic drugs to cart it away after allegedly collecting about 100,000 dollars.
The policemen, who have been in police custody for the past two weeks, were charged yesterday with abetment of crime.
The court, presided over by Mr Justice Frank Manu, who is also the Greater Accra Regional Tribunal Chairman, remanded them until September 25.
When the case was called at about 11.38 am yesterday, Mr Cab Beyou, a Chief State Attorney, prosecuting, told the packed court, “this is for purposes of remand because the police are still investigating.”
Reacting, Mr Musah Ahmed, counsel for Amoah and Nyarko said: “We are surprised that my clients’ plea were not taken but the police is asking for a remand.”
He argued that the police failed to produce the principal offender, Sheriff, who was alleged to have abetted the accused saying, “the offence for which they are being tried before this court does not exist.”
“The police are asking the court to confirm an illegality after they have detained the accused for two weeks for an offence which is bailable,” he added.
Counsel further told the court that Sgt. Amoah had been sent to the Justice Georgina Wood Committee investigating the missing cocaine on two occasions, adding “even on Monday, we were there.”
For his part, Mr Yaw Awuku Asabre, who represented Yabson, said: “The security agencies are confused. They are roping people into this 77 parcels of missing cocaine but are not leading any evidence against them.”
Remanding the accused persons, the judge said: “They have just been brought to court and it is too early for this argument from counsel. Allow the police to continue with their investigations into the matter.”
The judge, instead of ordering whether or not Yabson should be taken to the hospital for treatment after his counsel had told the court that the client was indisposed, advised the investigator to “take good care of him.”
The facts of the case are that sometime in April, the policemen stationed at Tema New Town and Community One respectively were tipped by some residents of Kpone that somebody had landed a boat loaded with items suspected to be cocaine at the beach.
The three policemen allegedly went to the scene and instead of arresting the owner of the alleged drugs named Sheriff, purportedly collected 100,000 dollars from him and allowed the stuff to be carted away.
Wednesday, September 13,2006
THREE policemen were yesterday arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in the disappearance of 77 parcels of cocaine from MV Benjamin, a vessel, at the Tema Port.
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the cocaine consignment from the vessel has for months now, been the subject of public interest and has necessitated the setting up of the Justice Georgina Wood Committee by the Minister of the Interior.
The three are Detective Sergeant Samuel Yaw Amoah, General Sergeant David Nyarko and Detective Lance Corporal Dwamena Yabson all with the Tema Regional Command.
They were said to have intercepted the consignment at the Kpone Beach near Tema but allowed one Sheriff, now at large, who was with the narcotic drugs to cart it away after allegedly collecting about 100,000 dollars.
The policemen, who have been in police custody for the past two weeks, were charged yesterday with abetment of crime.
The court, presided over by Mr Justice Frank Manu, who is also the Greater Accra Regional Tribunal Chairman, remanded them until September 25.
When the case was called at about 11.38 am yesterday, Mr Cab Beyou, a Chief State Attorney, prosecuting, told the packed court, “this is for purposes of remand because the police are still investigating.”
Reacting, Mr Musah Ahmed, counsel for Amoah and Nyarko said: “We are surprised that my clients’ plea were not taken but the police is asking for a remand.”
He argued that the police failed to produce the principal offender, Sheriff, who was alleged to have abetted the accused saying, “the offence for which they are being tried before this court does not exist.”
“The police are asking the court to confirm an illegality after they have detained the accused for two weeks for an offence which is bailable,” he added.
Counsel further told the court that Sgt. Amoah had been sent to the Justice Georgina Wood Committee investigating the missing cocaine on two occasions, adding “even on Monday, we were there.”
For his part, Mr Yaw Awuku Asabre, who represented Yabson, said: “The security agencies are confused. They are roping people into this 77 parcels of missing cocaine but are not leading any evidence against them.”
Remanding the accused persons, the judge said: “They have just been brought to court and it is too early for this argument from counsel. Allow the police to continue with their investigations into the matter.”
The judge, instead of ordering whether or not Yabson should be taken to the hospital for treatment after his counsel had told the court that the client was indisposed, advised the investigator to “take good care of him.”
The facts of the case are that sometime in April, the policemen stationed at Tema New Town and Community One respectively were tipped by some residents of Kpone that somebody had landed a boat loaded with items suspected to be cocaine at the beach.
The three policemen allegedly went to the scene and instead of arresting the owner of the alleged drugs named Sheriff, purportedly collected 100,000 dollars from him and allowed the stuff to be carted away.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
2 LAWYERS QUERY S.F.O.
By William Yaw Owusu
Tuesday, 12 September 2006
TWO legal practitioners have questioned the propriety of the Serious Fraud Office’s freezing of the assets of 21 individuals and organizations.
They contend that the SFO’s action is arbitrary and could prejudice any legal action that has been initiated against some of the people.
The two, Fuseini Inusah, who is also Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Gabriel Pwamang, counsel for Prince Tibu Darko, one of the affected, expressed these views in separate interviews with the Times.
Mr Pwamang said the SFO’s action was comparable to the Citizens Vetting Committee in the Provisional National Defence Council era, where a person could be called upon to justify whatever he or she had.
He said the SFO’s action was discriminatory, arguing that Article 23 of the 1992 Constitution does not permit a state institution such as the SFO to act in a discriminatory manner against a citizen. "But in this instance there is a clear abuse of procedures."
Mr Pwamang further said, "the SFO’s jurisdiction is to try matters where there is an economic loss to the state as a result of an individual’s business. But they have not indicated what crime or offence involving the loss that they are talking of.”
Mr Pwamang said since the SFO filed an ex-parte motion to get the assets frozen, his client could only wait until the 10-day period as permitted by the High Court rules elapses to contest the issue.
“We will file a motion after the 10 days to set aside the courts order in the High Court,” he added.
Mr Inusah, for his part, explained that the SFO’s action is likely to negatively colour the efforts and any recommendations to be made by the Justice Georgina Wood Committee.
He said while the legality of whether narcotics dealings are taxable in Ghana is in itself controversial, the reason advanced for the SFO’s action makes it an exercise that is better placed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
He explained that it would have been more acceptable if the IRS, which is a specialized state institutions charged with matters involving state revenue, including taxes, proceeded to investigate and institute the action instead of the SFO which is a more generalized agency for keeping a tab on activities that are likely to lead to financial loss to the state.
“We should allow the institutions that we have put in place to deal with law and order to do same without hindrance,” Mr Inusah said.
He also questioned the motive for “targeting” only the 21 named individuals and organizations, some of whom are not even on trial for alleged narcotics-related activities.
“As a country, we must apply the law equally,” he said.”
The SFO last Friday, announced the freeze of the bank accounts and assets of 21 individuals and companies.
The individuals include Alhaji Moro, Prince Tibu-Darko, currently standing trial on charges of dealing in drugs and Piene Wardini.
Others are Kwabena Amaning also known as Tagor, Alhaji Issah Abass, Kwabena Acheampong, Kwadwo Ababio and Victor Isseh, popularly called Yaw Billah, who are all standing trial for their involvement in the loss of cocaine from the MV Benjamin at the Tema Port.
The rest are Grace Asibi, star witness in the East Legon cocaine saga; Rojo Mettle Nunoo, David Gerardo Vasquez, the fugitive Venezuelan , drug baron; Mrs Rosita Dosoo, Mr Noble Dosoo and Joseph Nwabueze.
The companies include Koreana Hotel and its directors, P.T,. Ventures Limited and its directors, Wrangler Company Limited and its directors as well as Issadys Ventures and its directors.
The rest are Compinchex Limited, Kamoney Forex Bureau and Crystal Trend Investments Limited.
An official from the SFO was quoted by an Accra-based private radio station last Friday as saying that the anti-corruption body took the steps to check whether the affected individuals and the corporate bodies had been honouring their tax obligations to the state.
The SFO in a statement said they acted in accordance with Act 466 (13) (9) which says: “where the director is of the opinion that to facilitate investigation, it is necessary to have the assets and bank accounts of a person or organization being or about to be investigated, frozen, he may, in writing direct the freezing of such assets and bank account of the person or organization the director may determine.
“The director shall within seven days of the freezing of any assets and bank account under this section, apply to the High Court or Regional Tribunal for a confirmation of the freezing of the assets and bank account,” it added.
Tuesday, 12 September 2006
TWO legal practitioners have questioned the propriety of the Serious Fraud Office’s freezing of the assets of 21 individuals and organizations.
They contend that the SFO’s action is arbitrary and could prejudice any legal action that has been initiated against some of the people.
The two, Fuseini Inusah, who is also Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Gabriel Pwamang, counsel for Prince Tibu Darko, one of the affected, expressed these views in separate interviews with the Times.
Mr Pwamang said the SFO’s action was comparable to the Citizens Vetting Committee in the Provisional National Defence Council era, where a person could be called upon to justify whatever he or she had.
He said the SFO’s action was discriminatory, arguing that Article 23 of the 1992 Constitution does not permit a state institution such as the SFO to act in a discriminatory manner against a citizen. "But in this instance there is a clear abuse of procedures."
Mr Pwamang further said, "the SFO’s jurisdiction is to try matters where there is an economic loss to the state as a result of an individual’s business. But they have not indicated what crime or offence involving the loss that they are talking of.”
Mr Pwamang said since the SFO filed an ex-parte motion to get the assets frozen, his client could only wait until the 10-day period as permitted by the High Court rules elapses to contest the issue.
“We will file a motion after the 10 days to set aside the courts order in the High Court,” he added.
Mr Inusah, for his part, explained that the SFO’s action is likely to negatively colour the efforts and any recommendations to be made by the Justice Georgina Wood Committee.
He said while the legality of whether narcotics dealings are taxable in Ghana is in itself controversial, the reason advanced for the SFO’s action makes it an exercise that is better placed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
He explained that it would have been more acceptable if the IRS, which is a specialized state institutions charged with matters involving state revenue, including taxes, proceeded to investigate and institute the action instead of the SFO which is a more generalized agency for keeping a tab on activities that are likely to lead to financial loss to the state.
“We should allow the institutions that we have put in place to deal with law and order to do same without hindrance,” Mr Inusah said.
He also questioned the motive for “targeting” only the 21 named individuals and organizations, some of whom are not even on trial for alleged narcotics-related activities.
“As a country, we must apply the law equally,” he said.”
The SFO last Friday, announced the freeze of the bank accounts and assets of 21 individuals and companies.
The individuals include Alhaji Moro, Prince Tibu-Darko, currently standing trial on charges of dealing in drugs and Piene Wardini.
Others are Kwabena Amaning also known as Tagor, Alhaji Issah Abass, Kwabena Acheampong, Kwadwo Ababio and Victor Isseh, popularly called Yaw Billah, who are all standing trial for their involvement in the loss of cocaine from the MV Benjamin at the Tema Port.
The rest are Grace Asibi, star witness in the East Legon cocaine saga; Rojo Mettle Nunoo, David Gerardo Vasquez, the fugitive Venezuelan , drug baron; Mrs Rosita Dosoo, Mr Noble Dosoo and Joseph Nwabueze.
The companies include Koreana Hotel and its directors, P.T,. Ventures Limited and its directors, Wrangler Company Limited and its directors as well as Issadys Ventures and its directors.
The rest are Compinchex Limited, Kamoney Forex Bureau and Crystal Trend Investments Limited.
An official from the SFO was quoted by an Accra-based private radio station last Friday as saying that the anti-corruption body took the steps to check whether the affected individuals and the corporate bodies had been honouring their tax obligations to the state.
The SFO in a statement said they acted in accordance with Act 466 (13) (9) which says: “where the director is of the opinion that to facilitate investigation, it is necessary to have the assets and bank accounts of a person or organization being or about to be investigated, frozen, he may, in writing direct the freezing of such assets and bank account of the person or organization the director may determine.
“The director shall within seven days of the freezing of any assets and bank account under this section, apply to the High Court or Regional Tribunal for a confirmation of the freezing of the assets and bank account,” it added.
Friday, September 08, 2006
DRUG BARONS' ASSETS FROZEN
By William Yaw Owusu
Friday, 08 September 2006
THE assets and bank accounts of some suspected drug barons have been frozen by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).
Though officials of the SFO are tight-lipped on the names of the affected barons, they are believed to include the five suspected men at the centre of the MV Benjamin missing cocaine saga.
A source at the SFO head office in Accra dropping the hint to the Times said the Accra High Court yesterday granted the legal backing, to the SFO’s motion "to freeze the assets and bank accounts of those persons."
Kwabena Amaning, also known as Tagor, Issah Abass, Kwabena Acheampong and Kwadwo Ababio initially appeared before the five-member Justice Georgina Wood Committee to assist in its investigations to unravel the loss of the drugs.
However, they were later arrested at the committee premises and provisionally charged with conspiracy, engaging in prohibited business rated to narcotic drugs, establishing and promoting enterprise relating to narcotic drugs.
The source confirmed that those involved were mostly suspected narcotic drug dealers, some of whom are currently standing trial, adding, "our public relations outfit will issue a press release to throw more light on the matter.”
Meanwhile, an Accra Circuit Court yesterday refused bail to the five people charged over the disappearance of the 77 parcels of cocaine from MV Benjamin.
The five, Kwabena Amaning, also called Tagor; Issah Abass, Kwabena Acheampong, Kwadwo Ababio and Victor Kisseh, alias Yaw Billah, are to appear before the court again on September 21.
They are facing provisional charges of conspiracy, engaging in prohibited business related to narcotic drugs, establishing and promoting enterprise relating to narcotic drugs.
Deputy Superintendent of Police DSP Abichab Boye, prosecuting, told the court: “We are still investigating. We want a few more weeks and hopefully we shall give the court good news.
But Nana Asante Bediatuo, counsel for Tagor, renewing his application for bail said “this is completely unconstitutional. We wonder the kind of law that the prosecution is using to incarcerate the accused persons.”
He said if the police were not ready to prefer appropriate charges against the five men, the court had the right to release them on bail and place reasonable restrictions on them.
Mr. Osafo Buabeng, representing Abass said, “looking at the facts, an offence relating to narcotics has not been established against my client to warrant the interpretation of Act 714 which has been amended under the Criminal Procedure Code.”
Speaking for Acheampong, Gilbert Budu said: “This is a clear abuse of the processes of the court. It must not be seen as if the courts are there to listen to the police alone.”
Mr. Agyei Mensah, who represented Ababio said: “The provisional facts do not fit the offence for which my client has been charged.”
Counsel for Billah, R.S. Blay, for his part said my client does not come into the matter at all.”
The judge in reminding them said: “Between the last adjourned date and today, there has not been any change in your submissions for me to change my mind.”
He therefore advised counsel to apply for bail in a higher court.
The lawyers subsequently prayed the court to fix a date for full trial to commence. This prompted the judge to warn the prosecution to prosecute the case if there was a prime facie case established or drop the charges.
“You should not let the public get the impression that once an accused person is remanded in custody, it should be the end of the case,” the judge advised the police.
Tibu-Darko Remanded Again In Cocaine Case
By William Yaw Owusu
Friday, 08 September 2006
PRINCE Tibu-Darko, 49, owner of the Koreana Hotel and Komaney Forex Bureau in Tema who was arrested on August 9 on suspicion of dealing in narcotic drugs, has again been refused bail by the Accra circuit court. He is to return to court on September 14.
Tibu-Darko was first remanded on August 16, on a provisional charge of dealing in narcotic drugs.
In remanding him when he made his third appearance yesterday, the judge said although he considered the arguments raised by Tibu-Darko’s council, "the argument for bail is premature."
Assistant Superintendent of Police, George Abavelim, prosecuting, had told the court at the last adjourned date that the police were still investigating the matter and the accused could interfere with the process if he was granted bail.
Mr Gabriel Pwamang who represented Tibu-Darko however argued that his client was being kept based on suspicion and that the police had failed to provide the evidence of surveillance that they claimed to have mounted on his client to warrant his remand.
Later in an interview as to his next line of action, Mr Pwamang said "once the judge has ruled that our application is premature, we will only need some time for it to mature and we will come back."
The facts as presented by DSP Abavelim are that Tibu-Darko is a businessman who owns a fishing company in addition to the hotel located at Community 12.
The accused does other activities apart from the hotel business, he said and "this includes the distribution of narcotic drugs, particularly cocaine."
He told the packed court that the police mounted surveillance on the accused and he was arrested on August 9.
Immediately the case was called, some women sympathisers of Tibu-Darko, who were following proceeding from outside the court room were seen praying for God’s intervention for the court to grant the accused bail.
Others in the court room wept bitterly after he was refused bail.
2 Charged For 'Wee'
By William Yaw Owusu
Friday, 08 September 2006
ROGER Ocloo, a courier service worker, and Ellis Tamakloe, a student, said to be the son of Mr Nyaho Tamakloe, Ghana’s Ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro, on Wednesday appeared before an Accra circuit court charged with conspiracy to export cannabis to the United Kingdom without lawful authority.
Mr. Alex Annor, a principal State Attorney told the court presided over by Mr. Justice Frank Manu, the Regional Tribunal Chairman that the case was being investigated and the suspected stuff had been sent to the Ghana Standards Boards for analysis.
The fact of the case are that on August 30, Ocloo took a parcel to the DHL office at Kanda in Accra to be sent to U.K where the operational manager discovered that the parcel contained some compressed dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
He said the DHL subsequently reported the matter to the Narcotics Control Board and that led to the arrest of Ocloo.
Mr. Annor said a search in Ocloo’s room led to the discovery of a number of way bills including the one used for the unsuccessful export.
During interrogation, Ocloo allegedly mentioned Tamakloe as the one who gave the parcel to him.
Tamakloe upon his arrest also told the police that it was a man called Harry who gave the substance to him to post to the United Kingdom.
The prosecutor said the said Harry is now at large and was being pursued
Friday, 08 September 2006
ROGER Ocloo, a courier service worker, and Ellis Tamakloe, a student, said to be the son of Mr Nyaho Tamakloe, Ghana’s Ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro, on Wednesday appeared before an Accra circuit court charged with conspiracy to export cannabis to the United Kingdom without lawful authority.
Mr. Alex Annor, a principal State Attorney told the court presided over by Mr. Justice Frank Manu, the Regional Tribunal Chairman that the case was being investigated and the suspected stuff had been sent to the Ghana Standards Boards for analysis.
The fact of the case are that on August 30, Ocloo took a parcel to the DHL office at Kanda in Accra to be sent to U.K where the operational manager discovered that the parcel contained some compressed dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
He said the DHL subsequently reported the matter to the Narcotics Control Board and that led to the arrest of Ocloo.
Mr. Annor said a search in Ocloo’s room led to the discovery of a number of way bills including the one used for the unsuccessful export.
During interrogation, Ocloo allegedly mentioned Tamakloe as the one who gave the parcel to him.
Tamakloe upon his arrest also told the police that it was a man called Harry who gave the substance to him to post to the United Kingdom.
The prosecutor said the said Harry is now at large and was being pursued
Monday, September 04, 2006
14,000 Youths Engaged For Teaching Jobs
By William Yaw Owusu
Saturday, 02 September 2006
THE government’s programme for youth employment gets under way in earnest with the recruitment of thousands of young persons to fill vacancies in the education and health services.
Some 14,000 youth are to be engaged to take up appointments as pupil teachers in basic schools throughout the country with effect from the 2006/2007 academic year which begins later this month.
Another 10,500 are to be selected and trained as auxiliary nursing assistants.
Minister of Manpower, Youth and Employment, Abubakar Saddique Boniface, announced this at the closing of the vacation Employment Prog-ramme for students in Accra on Thursday.
A total of 517 students from tertiary and second cycle institutions were engaged by the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) between July and August under the National Youth Employment Programme to help detect "ghost" names on the government’s payroll.
Alhaji Saddique said the ministry had assisted more than 5,000 post National Service Personnel under the placement system of the youth programme to get contracts at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the VAT Service while 369 are to be sent to CAGD.
He said the government will soon take delivery of between 5,000 and 8,000 tricycles to be distributed to the districts under the District Assemblies Sanitation Programme.
The cycle, to be fitted with receptacles for refuse collection will be assigned to 50 youth in each district.
"I would like to use this medium to call on the youth to take advantage of the opportunities being offered by government to acquire skills and be able to set up their own business," he added.
Saturday, 02 September 2006
THE government’s programme for youth employment gets under way in earnest with the recruitment of thousands of young persons to fill vacancies in the education and health services.
Some 14,000 youth are to be engaged to take up appointments as pupil teachers in basic schools throughout the country with effect from the 2006/2007 academic year which begins later this month.
Another 10,500 are to be selected and trained as auxiliary nursing assistants.
Minister of Manpower, Youth and Employment, Abubakar Saddique Boniface, announced this at the closing of the vacation Employment Prog-ramme for students in Accra on Thursday.
A total of 517 students from tertiary and second cycle institutions were engaged by the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) between July and August under the National Youth Employment Programme to help detect "ghost" names on the government’s payroll.
Alhaji Saddique said the ministry had assisted more than 5,000 post National Service Personnel under the placement system of the youth programme to get contracts at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the VAT Service while 369 are to be sent to CAGD.
He said the government will soon take delivery of between 5,000 and 8,000 tricycles to be distributed to the districts under the District Assemblies Sanitation Programme.
The cycle, to be fitted with receptacles for refuse collection will be assigned to 50 youth in each district.
"I would like to use this medium to call on the youth to take advantage of the opportunities being offered by government to acquire skills and be able to set up their own business," he added.
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