Takoradi(Western Region) 18 March '99

The Western Region Public Tribunal has quashed the conviction of Nana Kwesi Ackon the fourth, Chief of Mampong, near Kansaworodo in the Western Region and two others by the Takoradi Community Tribunal for stealing. This follows an appeal by the three to the Regional Public Tribunal against the conviction and sentence on the grounds that the conviction cannot be supported in law having regard to the evidence adduced at the trial. Nana Ackon, also the Mankrado of Sekondi Traditional Area, Safohene Nfiase known in private life as Maxwell Mensah and Kojo Kakraba, both farmers, were convicted for stealing a bicycle valued at 120,000 cedis belonging to one Kofi Akyeremanyansa at Kansaworodo in 1995. They pleaded not guilty to stealing but were sentenced to a fine of 100,000 cedis each or 12 months imprisonment in default. The Regional Tribunal ruled that the Community Tribunal erred in law by convicting and sentencing the accused persons. The Tribunal ordered that any fines imposed or paid should be refunded to them.