Journalists Arrested … For Bribery

Mr. Emmanuel Amponsah, Deputy Sports Editor of Ghanaian Times and the local union chairman of New Times Corporation and John Vigah, a sports journalist with the paper have been arrested by the Accra Central Police for allegedly demanding for a bribe of ¢150million to kill a story.

The two journalists are said to have demanded the money from Samuel Obiri, special assistant to the former minister of state for education, youth and sports, Hon. Rashid Bawa.

According to Mr. Bright Oduro, regional crime officer, the deputy editor contacted Obiri, about a report that he together with Mr. John Vigah have been investigating that he had been using an official vehicle which they had information had been involved in an accident. They therefore demanded for ¢150million so that the story would not be published. Amponsah and his 'comrade in crime", Vigah who was arrested in his Teshie-Nungua residence, are helping the police in their investigations. They allegedly asked Obiri to bring the said money to the New Times Corporation yesterday, where they said they were more secured to receive it.

Feigning interest, Obiri is said to have negotiated with them and pledged to pay ¢100million with the balance to be paid later. He then hinted the police who advised him to suggest another location to them.

Interestingly they proposed to meet at a spot near daily guide's office at Adabraka official, where Amposah duly turned up at the appointed time and was swooped upon by the Police as he collected the cash in a black polythene bag. Daily Guide has learnt that they are currently being held in police custody as investigations into the case continue.