Kumasi, Feb. 20, GNA - A businessman aspiring to be the chief of Emesuam, near Fumesua in the Ejisu-Juaben district, who is on trial in Kumasi for an offensive conduct, on Wednesday told the court that he was framed up to dent his aspirations of becoming the chief. Answering questions during cross-examination, Nana Kwame Nsuase Poku said the allegation that he threatened to burn down the palace in the town for which he was arrested and first arraigned in April 2002, was unfounded.

He has pleaded not guilty to a charge of offensive conduct. Nana Nsuase Poku told the court that it was a ploy by one Janet Acheampong, the complainant and the aunt of one Kwame Boateng, who is also aspiring to be the chief of the town, to have him arrested and disgraced.

"Your worship, I only protested against the illegal sale of my ancestors' plots and other properties by Boateng who has no prerogative to sell what rightfully belongs to us".

Inspector K. Kusi had told the court that the accused's mother died sometime in March 2002 and that in April the same year, when she was going to be buried, he mobilised some people and threatened to burn down the palace.

This, he said, prompted Janet Acheampong to report to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) police who arrested him and after interrogation charged him with the offence.