Police officers, others in ammunition deal say they’re innocent

Accra, June 29, GNA - The case of four persons, including two police officers, who were allegedly busted in their bid to sell 50 pieces of ammunitions, on Monday pleaded not guilty to charges preferred against them.

The accused persons have been charged with possessing firearms without permission and attempting to sell 50 pieces of pump action guns.

This was after they were put before a Circuit Court in Accra presided over by Mr Mahamadu Iddrisu.

The accused persons, who are on remand include, Inspector Simon Amedekanya of the Tesano Police Station, Corporal Doris Oppong Asante of the Arms and Ammunitions Section, Tesano Divisional Headquarters, Isaac Saida, a trader and Kwabena Amoah, a driver.

Inspector Jacob Duffor Oppong, an accomplice, is at large.

Defence counsel contended that there was no Alhaji involved in the matter adding that the case was orchestrated by the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).

Remanding them into police custody, the court said it was going look at the matter carefully.

The court noted that the issues concerning human rights were important but those that pertained to national security overrode the individual's right.

It therefore adjourned the matter to July 13.
The prosecution said Saida, is a dealer in spare parts, while Amoah is the personal driver of Inspector Oppong Asante.

According to the prosecution the BNI had information that on June 12, some people were engaged in the illegal sale of firearms near the Achimota overhead bridge in Accra and dispatched men to the scene.

The prosecution said the accused were arrested with the guns packed in boxes and investigations revealed that on June 11, one Obiri Yeboah, a friend of Saida, had called him on phone saying that one Alhaji wanted some guns to purchase.

Saida, therefore, contacted Inspector Amedakanya for assistance to arrange for the guns.

The prosecution said efforts were being made to arrest the said Alhaji and the other accomplices.

GNA