A group of individuals who allegedly assaulted one Rev. Benjamin Acheampong have been brought before the Mampong Circuit Court under a bail of 250,000 Ghana cedis.
Following up on court proceedings that commenced on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the Mampong Margistrate court, presided over by Judge Felicia Anane-Antwi, the accused assaulted the pastor claiming ownership of a portion of land situated in Bawase, Akuapem North.
The court revealed that the 9 out of 13 defendants, Kinsley Addo, Emmanuel Oteng Addo, Joseph Appiah , Ebenezer Asare, Samuel Asare ; Martin Osei ; Kwabena Ansah ; Richard Awuku ; Ama Abayare were transferred to the Mampong Circuit Court after being called before the Magistrate court for the first hearing. Investigation is ongoing to find and arrest the remaining 4 persons involved.
The defendants who were charged with three counts of assault, pleaded not guilty of the assault crime. The charges of causing harm ;contrary to Section 69 of the criminal offenses act 29 1960, threat of harm charged upon the first two defendants; contrary to Section 74 of the criminal offenses act 29, 1960.
The court agreed to place the third charge which was submitted as conspiracy to commit crime to wit causing harm; contrary to Section 23(1) Act 29, 1960 on hold till the other culprits are apprehended.
The court granted bail to the accused, each required to provide three sureties of Ghc 250,000. Additionally, they are obliged to maintain regular contact with the police. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, 19 October, 2023 at the Mampong Circuit Court.
Rev. Benjamin Acheampong is still responding to treatment after sustaining broken legs and multiple fractures in the ribs.
The shocking incident has drawn attention to the issue of land disputes, lynching and violence in the region, and the legal proceedings that follow are expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the attack on Reverend Benjamin Acheampong.
Many innocent persons have died from mob attacks in Ghana, and it is therefore critical that the law takes it course and brings perpetrators to book to curtail such attacks.