Police to arrest persons in possession of knockouts

Accra, Dec. 10, GNA - The Ghana Police Service says it would embark on an intensive search to retrieve knockouts and other explosives usually used during the Christmas season and prosecute the individuals involved.

A statement signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kwesi Ofori on behalf of the Director of Police Public Affairs and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Saturday, drew attention to the Public Order Act, which states among other things; "no person shall manufacture, possess or carry any of the following categories of explosives; fire crackers (knockouts); display shells; artillery shell and ball and canister shell". The statement said the Police Administration had noted with concern the situation where some individuals have started selling these explosives apparently towards the Christmas festivities. It warned that the Act empowers a Police Officer to arrest without a warrant any person he or she had reasonable grounds to suspect of possessing, carrying or being in control of any explosive in contravention of the Law.

The Police Administration explained "any person, who manufactures, possess or carry any of the mentioned explosives commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five million cedis or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both". The Police, therefore, urged those in possession of any of the prohibited explosives to deposit it with the nearest Police Station. The statement advised parents not to allow their children to purchase any of the prohibited explosives since they used them to disturb public peace and to cause injury to other persons.