Regional News of Thursday, 12 May 2011

Source: GNA

Committee on Sefwi shooting case presents report

Sekondi, May 12, GNA - The three- member Committee of Enquiry commissioned to investigate the Sefwi-Wiawso shooting incident that claimed two lives has recommended the prosecution of the two suspects. The suspects shot and killed the two people during the funeral rites of the Sefwi-Wiawso chief. The recommendation was contained in a report submitted to the Western Regional Security Council, chaired by Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, Regional Minister, who made the document available to journalists at a press briefing in Sekondi.

The Committee was chaired by Mr Sagary Nokoe, a lawyer who recommended that Nana Kwasi Gyebi, Chief of Sui should be prosecuted for carrying offensive weapon at the ceremony whilst Frank Bosompem, a Policeman should be charge for manslaughter. The report said during the funeral rites of Nana Yeboah Kansah, Chief of Sefwi-Wiawso on December 11 2009, Nana Gyebi was among other chiefs who fired muskets as part of the celebration in line with the custom of the area.

The report indicated that Nana Gyebi's gun which was loaded with weapon went off killing one Madam Lydia Asantewaa Osei instantly and injuring Clara Owusu who were both staff of the Internal Revenue Service, who were standing on their office balcony. Bosompem who was also among the police personnel keeping watch at the Queen mother's palace was said to have shot and killed Mr Kofi Nkrumah alias 93Someso", a taxi driver. It said Mr Nkrumah was with a group of people following Mr John Chikah, (Nana Aduhene lll) who attempted to enter the palace of the Queen mother, Nana Adua Panyin II. The report said the police should have ensured that nobody carried a deadly weapon for the function. Mr Aidoo said copies of the report have been submitted to the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Justice and the Ghana Police Service and prayed that the issue would be dealt with expeditiously to enable the bereaved family to be at peace. The Minister said currently there was absolute peace and tranquillity at Sefwi- Wiawso with people going about their normal duties.

The Committee was charged among other terms of reference to establish the motive behind the incident, recommend solutions and assist the mystery surrounding the event.