Accra, May 27, GNA - The principal witness in the case in which a Ne w Patriotic Party activist, accused former President Jerry John Rawlings of setting fire to his Ridge residence on Thursday failed to appear in court to testify.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) E.O. Frimpong, the prosecutor told an Accra Circuit court presided over by Mr C. A. Wilson that the witness was indisposed.

The case was therefore adjourned to Tuesday, June 8.

Nana Darkwa Baafi, has been charged with publishing false news with the intent to cause fear and alarm during a discussion on a private radio station in Accra. He has pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution's case is that sometime in February this year, one Ishmael and the accused were contributing to a discussion on Top Radio, a

local FM station during which the accused was alleged to have made the statement. The accused was arrested by personnel from Greater Accra Regional Police Command after a complaint by Mr Kofi Adams, Spokesperson for Forme r President Rawlings.

The Police rushed to the precincts of the station to protect lives a nd property after a mob had thronged there to attack the accused. The police managed to whisk the panellists away to safety. During interrogation, the accused admitted the offence and pleaded f or forgiveness.