MR. ROGER C. Azumah, sitting at the Tema Circuit Tribunal last Tuesday, imposed a total fine of ?1.8 million on nine persons who were arrested for defecating in the Chemu Lagoon at Tema Newtown.

The accused, Addai Tokole, Bright Kwao, Joseph Sokpe, Moses Ayikunu, Abubakari Alhassan, Kwame Baiden, Raphael Gborglah and Esi Payin, were charged with causing public nuisance in accordance with section 296 (1) of Act 29/60.

They all pleaded guilty.

Chief Inspector Edith Nutakor told the tribunal that the traditional council often beats gongong to warn people to refrain from easing themselves in the lagoon, which is completely dried up because of toxic waste.

The tribunal learnt from the prosecution that the complainants are members of the traditional council's Sanitation Task Force and on March 18, this year, at about 5:00am the accused persons were arrested while defecating in the lagoon.

Mr. Alfred Agbesi, who acted as friend of the court, pleaded that the accused should be warned, cautioned and discharged, but the chairman imposed a find of ?200,000 each on them or in default one month imprisonment to serve as deterrent to others.