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President’s accident has ominous
undertones, says State Attorney
Accra, Dec. 14, Ghanadot/GNA - Mr Edward Agyeman Duodu, a
Principal State Attorney, on Friday announced to the Motor
Court in Accra hearing the case in which a motorist hit
President John Agyekum Kufuor’s car that, facts emerging
from investigations indicated that it was not a mere road
accident.
"There is more to it than a mere road accident and we want
to consider all aspects,” he said.
Mr Duodo said the case was a very serious offence, adding
that, at the appropriate time final charges would be
preferred against the accused, Thomas Osei.
He therefore prayed the court to adjourn the case for
further investigations since only certain aspects of the
matter had been investigated.
He added that, if the accused were granted bail he might
interfere with investigations.
Osei’ vehicle on November 14 hit President Kufuor's car on
the Liberation Link, near Opeibea House. The President
escaped unhurt.
He is being held for dangerous driving, negligently causing
harm, driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to
give way to the presidential convoy.
Osei's plea is yet to be taken by the court.
Mr Kwame Boafo Akuffo, who represented Osei, asked what new
charges would be preferred against his client arising out of
investigation.
He said the facts before the court were not in dispute and
this was not the first time a car has been involved in road
accident but expressed regret that it involved the first
gentleman.
Mr. Akuffo said the continual incarceration of his client in
custody infringed upon his fundamental human rights.
He prayed the court to grant his client bail saying, "If
they change the charges, this court cannot hear the case, it
would become a criminal case and move to a higher court.”
But the court, presided over by Mr. Samuel Diwuoh refused
the bail application and remanded the accused into police
custody till December 19 for ruling on the bail application.
Soon after the hearing he was whisked into a waiting police
car amidst heavy security.
Chief Inspector Dora Seiwaah, at the last sitting said at
about 1030 hours on November 14, Osei, who was driving a
Mercedes Benz SE 500 saloon car with registration number GT
2989 W was in the inner lane along the South Liberation Link
from AFGO towards 37th Military Hospital.
When he arrived at the Opeibea traffic light, he ignored the
siren of the Presidential convoy and drove straight into the
rear offside portion of the President's Mercedes Benz 550
saloon car.
The Prosecution said the impact forced the President's
vehicle to spin around and hit a light pole on the central
reserve.
The President's vehicle fell on its right side and landed on
a VW Golf saloon car with registration number GW 8750 K
driven by Pastor Ken Joe Osei Kuffuor, who was driving from
37th Military Hospital.
GNA
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