8 chiefs arrested

Eight chiefs and elders of Kotokrom, near Sunyani, were on Monday arraigned before a Magistrate's Court for a breach of the public order act in destooling the Odikro, Nana Kwaku Boahen.

The eight are: Nana Baffour Kumi, a sub- chief of Dormaa, described as the brain behind the act; Nana Kwame Ansu, Nana Kwasi Kyere, Kyeame Ansu, Okyeame Kwasi Addai, Nana Kwaku Abrokwa, James Owusu and Nana Kwame Ansu, had accused their chief of flouting some customary laws.

They pleaded not guilty to holding a public gathering to destool the chief without police permit.

The court, presided over by Albert Zoogah, granted them bail of 10 million cedis with a surety each until June 6.

Police Chief Inspector Kingsley Baafi prosecuting told the court on Monday that on May 22, Nana Akosua Ansuaa the queenmother, informed the police of the intention of Nana Kumi and the others to destool Nana Kwaku Boahen.

Acting on the information, the Brong Ahafo Regional Police Command invited the leader to meet him, but he failed to *the invitation*. Two days later, the accused persons caused a gong gong to be beaten and a sheep slaughtered at the palace to signify the destoolment of
the chief.

That infuriated Nana Boahen's supporters who allegedly attacked the accused persons and their followers resulting in violence and injuries to a number of people from both factions were injured.

The prosecution said the early intervention of the police saved what could have been a bloody clash.