Crime & Punishment of Sunday, 20 November 2011

Source: GNA

Court fines farmer for unlawful entry into Ankasa Game Reserve

Half Assini, (W/R) Nov. 20, GNA - The Half Assini District Magistrate’s Court has fined a farmer GH? 360.00 for unlawful entry into the Ankasa Game and Wildlife Reserve in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.

Nicholas Koomson, 64, pleaded guilty to illegal entering the Reserve and entering with equipment capable of being used to destroy animals.

He was fined GH?360 on each of the two counts which would run concurrently.

Prosecuting Police Inspector Robert Owusu from the Elubo Police Station told the court presided over by Mr Hans Kofi Kpogo that on November 14, officials of the Game and Wildlife Department arrested Koomson in the reserve during their patrol duties.

Inspector Owusu said one shot gun, three live cartridges, a cutlass and other items were found on Koomson, who is 64 years old.

The prosecution said the convict was unable to produce any permit when he was questioned by the officials.

The court ordered that the items be confiscated to the state and offered to officials of Game and Wildlife Department.