The two suspects in custody over the violent clashes at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have been refused bail for the second time.
This is to allow the prosecution to arrest other suspects and gather enough evidence for the case pending at the Asokore Mampong District Court.
Defense counsels are however unhappy with the court's decision, indicating a likelihood to seek redress at a higher court.
Friends and family of the two were emotional after the proceedings. They had come to court optimistic about securing bail for the two.
Prosecution was in court to present a new charge sheet in correspondence to investigations.
Head of Legal and Prosecution at Ashanti Regional Police Command, ACP Kofi Blagodzie, presented the names of eleven more suspects as well as evidence of the destruction caused by the riots.
“We substituted the charge sheet and presented the court with a new charge sheet so we are on with the matter”, he said.
Prosecution further argued the suspects should remain in custody as investigators go after other suspects.
Defense counsels argued otherwise, insisting the two should be granted bail.
They argued suspects Daniel Osei Bonsu and Francis Tutu Atuahene will have to report for the examination and work respectively.
Daniel's counsel, William Asamoah Sarfo explained that "the student is about to write examination."
"They have not committed murder, there is no way they are going to interfere with investigations so that is why we were pleading with the court to grant them bail whenever they are needed they will come. If the court decides not to grant the worker bail and his employer decides to sack him then it means we punish him twice. Article 19 (2C), he is innocent until proven guilty so if at the end of the day he is found innocent, what have we done to him?” he quizzed.
He added, "we have another option to go to the high court so we will sit down and decide the next line of action”.
The Asokore Mampong District Court issued arrest warrants for 61 persons suspected to be involved in recent violence on the KNUST campus.
The court agreed prosecution will have to re-appear in two weeks with other suspects in custody for the matter to proceed.
Latest Stories
-
PenTrust CEO named ‘Best Pensions CEO’, company wins ‘Scheme Administrator Award’ at Ghana Accountancy & Finance Awards 2024
28 seconds -
Alan Kyerematen’s ‘Brighter Future for Health Professionals’ in Ghana Revealed in Bono
11 mins -
NPP will ensure a safer cleaner and greener environment – Dr Kokofu
19 mins -
2024 Election: Police to deal with individuals who will cause trouble – IGP
20 mins -
Seychelles President’s visit rekindles historical and diplomatic ties with Ghana
25 mins -
Election 2024: EC destroys defective ballot papers for Ahafo and Volta regions
35 mins -
2024 Election: I am sad EC disqualified me, but I endorse CPP’s candidate – PNP’s Nabla
1 hour -
I want to build a modern, inclusive country anchored by systems and data – Bawumia to CSOs
1 hour -
Miss Health Ghana 2024: Kujori Esther Cachana crowned new Health Ambassador
1 hour -
Livestream: The manifesto debate on WASH and climate change
1 hour -
Alan Kyerematen saddened by NDC and NPP’s neglect of Krofrom Market in the Ashanti Region
1 hour -
CSIR Executive Director urges farmers to adopt technology for improved farming
2 hours -
Football Impact Africa’s Ghetto Love Initiative inspires change in Teshie
2 hours -
Peter Toobu calls for tighter border security over uncovered weapons at Tema Port
2 hours -
Gov’t has failed its commitment to IPPs – Ablakwa
2 hours