6 galamseyers, gold dealer before court for violent conduct

Six illegal miners, popularly known as ‘galamseyers’, and a gold dealer on Tuesday appeared before the Tarkwa Circuit Court for allegedly involving in violent conduct at the Tarkwa Market Circle in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem municipality of the Western Region, on Friday, January 13.

The accused, who are jointly charged with offences ranging from assault, causing harm and stealing, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court presided by Justice Emmanuel Bart–Plange    Brew adjourned the case to February 5.

Obed Opoku, 29; Mohammed Awel, alias Baba Awel, 23; Kassim Osman, 30; Haruna Issah, alias Babani, 23; Ali Shaibu, 29, and Tofique Bawa, 27, all galamseyers, and Ebenezer Botsio, 20, a gold dealer, were each granted GH¢15, 000 bail with five sureties, one of whom should be a government worker.

Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Faustina Celestine Anaman told the court that the accused belong to a group known as the “Abolos” (machomen), with Mohammed Awel alias Apakapo and Ali Jarra, as their leaders.

She said that the complainant, Wisdom Quaye, reported to the police that at about 9.30 a.m. on Sunday, January 13, a misunderstanding ensued between Ransford Baiden and Mohammed Awel and Haruna Issah alias Babani, on another side, at a drinking spot at Low Cost, Tarkwa.

Chief Insp Anaman told the court that Tofique Bawa and Mohammed Awel also known as Akakalo, mobilised a group, including Obed Opoku, Kassim Osman and Ali Shaibu, and others now at large, on board a KIA truck to the scene, but did not meet Ransford.

The group, prosecution said, who knew that Ransford was a friend of Wisdom went in search of him at his (complainant) barbering shop and assaulted him.

Chief Insp. Anaman said the complainant ran away and the group vandalised the sliding door of the shop, television set and assorted items.

The court heard that the accused wielding metals, sticks and stones stormed Wisdom’s gym, destroyed some items and took away the gym equipment.

Chief Insp Anaman said the seven accused, Sarkodie, Alhassan, both at large, and 25 others who conspired to steal, cause unlawful damage and assault.

FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, TARKWA

 

Read Full Story