Crime & Punishment of Tuesday, 10 February 2009

Source: GNA

Building Inspector and another in court for causing damage

Accra Feb. 10, GNA - A building inspector of the Ga South District Assembly, R.A Armah on Tuesday appeared before an Accra Circuit for intentionally and wilfully demolishing a building structure worth GH¢ 1,900 at Bortianor, a suburb in Accra.

With him in the dock was Nii Kwei Mensah aka Nii Shippi an electrical technician. The two, charged with conspiracy and causing unlawful damage, pleaded not guilty and were admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢ 30,000 with a surety each one to be justified. They will reappear on March 10.

Granting them bail, the court, presided over by Mrs. Elizabeth Ankomah condemned the act of some building inspectors who hide behind their various assemblies to demolish structures without cross checking on their building permits. The condemnation came as result of Mensah's response to a query by the trial judge as to why he went to demolish the structure. Mensah claimed he had gone there on two occasions to see the complainant in relation to her building permit but never met her.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Mary Agbozo said the complainant was Ms Faustina Nkrumah, a hairdresser. ASP Agbozo said in 1999, Ms Nkrumah acquired a parcel of land at Bortianor from Nii Akotey IV, the then Dzasetse and Acting Botianor Mantse. In June 2008, prosecution said Ms Nkrumah's husband started developing the land but Nii Kwei Mensah prevented him claiming ownership of the land. The following day, Mensah went to the site and threatened to demolish the building structure.

Prosecution said two days later, the couple was informed by a witness in the case that Mensah had demolished the structure. The couple reported the matter to the Police and when Mensah was arrested, he disclosed that it was Armah who destroyed the structure. Prosecution said when Armah was contacted on the issue he admitted causing damage to part of the structure. The prosecutor said Mensah was charged with a Criminal Summons to appear before the court after investigation.