NDC, NPP supporters clash in court
Clashes erupted between supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday at the Cocoa Affairs court after the hearing of the case involving Nana Darkwa Baafi, the man who accused former President Rawlings of burning his house.
The problem started when persons believed to be sympathizers of the NDC started throwing stones at the vehicle carrying Nana Darkwa from the court premises.
However, there were no police officers at the court to contain the situation though a similar problem occurred at the previous hearing of the case in which Nana Darkwa and Sheikh I. C. Quaye, former Greater Accra Regional Minister were attacked.
Earlier, during the hearing, the Prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Emmanuel Y. Frimpong, told the court that he was making changes to some particulars of the case.
The accused has been charged with publishing false news with the intent to cause fear and alarm in violation of the criminal act 208.
Nana Darkwa however pleaded not guilty to the charges and the case was adjourned till March 29, this year.
DSP Frimpong restating the facts said on February 12 this year, one Ishmael and the accused were contributing to a discussion programme on Top Radio FM where the accused made a statement that former President Rawlings intentionally burnt his Ridge residence because he wanted a replacement.
DSP Frimpong asked the court to grant an order directing the Court’s Registrar to Subpoena the radio station to produce the tape of the discussion programme.
He said the Registrar could only do so with the directive from the court.
However Kwame Boafo Akuffo, Counsel for Nana Darkwa, rejected the claim saying granting the order would mean the judge would be directing the prosecution as to whether the witness should be brought to court.
The facts of the case are that Nana Darkwa was arrested by personnel from the Greater Accra Regional Police Headquarters following a panel discussion at the radio station, after a complaint by Mr Kofi Adams, Spokesperson for Former President Rawlings.
During the discussion, Nana Darkwah was alleged to have stated that “Former President Rawlings intentionally caused the fire outbreak to compel the State to relocate him and his family”.
The statement angered many listeners of the programme compelling some of them to rush to the precincts of the radio station.
The Police rushed to the station to protect lives and property during which the panelists were whisked away to safety.
When Nana Darkwa was interrogated at the Greater Accra Regional Police Headquarters, he admitted the offence and asked for forgiveness.
Source: GNA