Court Revokes Policeman’s Bail On Resumption Of Murder Trial

Trial of General Constable Ebenezer Owusu who allegedly shot and killed a senior police officer and another at the residence of the former Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi in 2008, has begun at an Accra Fast Track High Court.

Charged with manslaughter and murder, Owusu has pleaded not guilty before a seven-member jury. Owusu is said to have shot and killed Daniel Dzikunu Agbale instantly and wounded Superintendent of Police Mr Theophilous T. Nartey who died three day at the 37th Military Hospital.

At the court Mr Mustapha Habib Logoh, the presiding judge, revoked Owusu’s bail saying the condition under which he was offered bail by a different court had changed. The court therefore remanded Owusu into prison custody to reappear on March 10.

Mr Kwabena Ankamah Ofei Badu who represented Owusu prayed the court to admit him to pay as Owusu had been working with the Police at Tamale and “he would not abscond”. Mr Badu said Owusu was ready to produce sureties and the Ghana Police Service would produce him anytime he is needed.

Mr Rexford Anthony Wiredu however objected to bail saying bail should not be offered to Owusu based on the charge of murder leveled against him.

According to Mr Wiredu, Owusu now knows what it entails if he is convicted and urged the court to take a look at the severity of the offence. The case of prosecution was that Owusu was stationed at Ho and was later transferred to Tamale Police Workshop.

On June 6, 2008 Owusu and General Constable John Ofori Ankomah were on duty at the residence of Mr Dzamesi. At about 2100 hours, that day, Agbale went to the former Regional Minister’s residence but he was prevented from entering.

Agbale, prosecution said however managed to enter the residence. Owusu who had then gone to see off his girlfriend was informed about the incidence. Owusu proceeded to Supt. Nartey’s office and informed him.

Prosecution said Supt. Nartey followed up to the residence of the former Regional Minister. On entering the former Regional Minister’s residence, a struggled ensued and Owusu who was armed with AK 47 rifle shot and killed Agbale and Supt. Nartey also got wounded.

Supt Nartey was rushed to the hospital but later transferred to the 37th Military Hospital where he later passed on.