Tema, June 16, GNA -- Three squatters at the former Meridian Hotel in Tema who set fire to rubbish near the hotel have been bonded by the Tema Circuit Court 'B' for setting fire in the area.

The three, who were charged with obstructing public officers from executing their duty were bonded to desist from setting fire in order to avoid future fire outbreaks in the area where companies and fuel filling stations are situated.

In default of the 10 million cedis self- recognizance bond, Ali Adama, Kwabena Badu and Forson Denteh would serve a two-year jail term. The court, presided over by Mr. Nicholas Mensah Abodakpi, heard that, Mr. Benjamin Owusu, an Assistant Divisional Fire Service Officer stationed at the Tema main harbour led a team of fire fighters to the premises of the former Meridian Hotel when they saw heavy smoke from the premises on June 14, 2006 at about 0530 hours.

Inspector Bernard Agbedanu said upon reaching the premises, the three accused persons who are labourers prevented the team from executing their job when they wanted to extinguish the fire. He said the three were arrested and sent to the Tema Main harbour police.