Akim Swedru, (E/R) July 28, GNA - The chief of Akyem Abenase in the Birim North District was on Thursday put before the Akim Swedru circuit court for allegedly stealing 43 bags of cement meant for development projects in the town. Nana Baafi Ankrah Ababio IV, who pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing was granted a self-recognizance bail of six million cedis to re-appear on August 11.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Monku Kofi Oduro told the court, presided over by Mr Edward Apenkwa that on September 9, last year, the District Assembly gave out 200 bags of cement to the town to be used to undertake development projects. He said later, the Assembly member for the area, Mr. Frimpong Otuo Ayipe and some Unit Committee members had a tip-off that the chief was selling the cement which was in his custody. The prosecution said on April 4, this year, the Assembly member, together with the Unit Committee members were on their way to the chief's palace when they met four men coming from the palace carrying four bags of cement.

The men were ordered to return the cement to the palace after which the Assembly man and the Unit Committee members went round and retrieved 14 bags of cement which the chief had sold to other people. He said the chief's conduct was reported to the District Chief Executive who tried unsuccessfully to settle the matter so the case was reported to the Akim Oda Police who arrested the chief and charge with the offence.