Regional News of Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Source: GNA

Release accused persons who cant be charged - Victor Smith

Mr Victor Smith, the Eastern Regional Minister, has called for reforms of the legal system to ensure that accused persons who could not be charged at court are released than to detain them for long excessive periods.

He expressed his displeasure of the situation where many suspects have been left on remand at the Koforidua Prisons for many years without being sent to court.

Mr Smith said he was saddened to hear that many of the suspects had been to court only once and added that, such a situation is unfair when anybody including himself could be sent to the prison on the grounds of mere suspicion.

He said this when speaking at the induction service of the newly elected executives of the Koforidua United Christian Ministers Fellowship (KUCMF) at Koforidua on Sunday.

The nine member executive of the KUCMF is presided by Rev Dr S. Sarpong Kwakwa with Rev William Micah as the Vice-President, Apostle Dr J. B. Afful , General Secretary, Rev Daniel Kwasi Frimpong, Treasurer with Rev Michael Amoakohene as the Organizing Secretary.

The fellowship is to promote unity and fellowship among ministers of the Gospel, create a platform for reconciliation and restoration and to train, equip and empower members through ordination.

Mr Smith urged the Ministers of the Gospel to master courage and speak out, but should not sit and watch as the country is being torn apart.

Rev Dr. Nana Yaw Boafo, who preached the sermon at the induction service said, as reverend ministers they have a responsibility to influence society by the message they preach.

He said many religious leaders in the country are too quiet on issues affecting the society because they feared that when they express their opinion, they might be attacked and insulted on the airwaves.

The new executives were sworn into office by Justice Efo Kossi Kaglo of the Koforidua High Court.**