File photo of a suspect in custody
Eric Ato Appiah Mends, a 45-year-old acting Gyaasehene of the Nkusukum Traditional Area in the Central Region, with the stool name Nana Beeyin II, has been remanded into two weeks of police custody by Cape Coast District Court 1 for the alleged murder of 52-year-old Kwesi Mekyeawo.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 25, during preparations for the Nkusukum Odambea Festival in a ritual procession to slaughter a cow in New Nkusukum, a suburb of Mankessim. During an altercation in the procession, which was interrupted by individuals from the Nkusukum Obaatan Division, the Gyaasehene reportedly pulled out a gun and shot the deceased in the head.
Following the incident, the chief reported himself to the Mankessim Divisional Police Command and was subsequently arraigned before Cape Coast District Court 1, presided over by Her Worship Anita Sheila Crabbe, on Tuesday.
According to a report by GHOne News Yaw Boagyan, the suspect has been charged with murder, and the prosecutor, ASP Daniel Gadzo, requested additional time as police investigations are ongoing.
Abuapanyin Solomon Ato Budu-Hegan, Family Head of the Nkusukum Amansea Twidan family, who expressed shock over the incident and rebuked the suspect, describing him as a “self-styled chief.”
Nana Amoa I, Gyaasehene of Nkusukum Amansea, also appealed to the court to expedite the case and allow the law to proceed without fear or favor.
The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Meanwhile, residents of Mankessim have condemned the act and appealed to the court to rule on the case, as the suspect has reportedly confirmed the incident.
KA
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