Akuapem-Mampong District court on Tuesday stayed from motion for the execution of bond against Odehye Kwasi Akuffo to desist from parading as Okuapehene by the Ghana Police Service
It follows application filed by Lawyer Ansah Asare the defense counsel at Koforidua High Court prohibiting the district court from hearing the motion on grounds that it lacks jurisdiction.
Odehye Kwasi Akuffo who also contested the Ofori Kuma stool was accused recently for parading himself as Okuapehene at a funeral despite gazetting of Oseadeyo Kwasi Akuffo III as Okuapehene.
The incident heightened tension in Akropong.
The motion by Ghana Police Service was for the execution of bond for keeping the peace under section 22 of the criminal and other offences (Procedure) Act,1969,Act 30 against Odehye Kwasi Akuffo to desist from parading himself as Okuapehene when he is not Okuapehene defacto or de jure .
After Chief Superintendent Sheila Kesse Abayie Aggrey Buckman introduced herself as prosecutor for the Ghana Police service, counsel for the respondent, Lawyer Ansah Asare reminded the court that, his client has filed prohibition order at the Koforidua High Court to stop hearing of the motion at the district court which has been served through the registrar.
Lawyer Ansa Asare stated that, there is no provision in the constitution of Ghana that prohibits a royal from dressing as a royal ,therefore, accusation that Odehye Kwasi Akuffo dressed and paraded as Okuapehene has no merit since he only dressed like a royal.
He described the motion for the execution of bond against Odehye Kwasi Akuffo as a ploy to disturb the peace of Akropong.
“I dont want the case to serve as a ploy to disturb the peace “.
Lawyer Ansa Asare cited Ghanaweb publication which President Akufo Addo said he will ensure Okuapehene is accepted by all to make a case that the President of Ghana is meddling in Akuapem chieftaincy issues using the state security.
“In the first place we don’t have any Okuapehene so the president cannot force anyone on us.How is it offence for Odehye to be dressed like royal .The president cannot force the respondent to dress anyhow”.
Sheila Abayie Buckman however rose on her feet to rebut the defense counsel’s claims stating on record that, the decision by the Ghana Police Service to bond Odehye Kwasi Akuffo is for maintenance of peace in Akropong and Okuapeman in general.
The Presiding Judge Her Worship Felicia Anan-Antwi ruled that, under the circumstance of the prohibition order, the court stays the motion for execution of bond .
The court therefore adjourned the matter to October 17 2023 pending the determination by the determination at the high court.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/ Obed Ansah
