Court Grants Bail to Former Minister and Accomplice in Murder Case
A former Employment Minister, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, and his associate Joseph Kyeremeh have been granted bail by the Sunyani District Court amid charges relating to the murder of a football supporter. They must uphold specific conditions, including daily police reporting and the surrender of travel documents. Their associate, Agyemang Duah, is charged with murder and remains in custody as investigations proceed.
On February 2, 2025, the Sunyani District Court ‘B,’ presided over by Mr. Eric Daning, granted GH¢500,000 bail to former Employment Minister Ignatius Baffour-Awuah and his co-defendant Joseph Kyeremeh, ensuring three sureties for each. The court required one surety to be justified and mandated the suspects to surrender their passports to the court registry until further instructions. Additionally, both suspects must seek permission before traveling outside the Sunyani area and report to the police daily until their next court date on February 17, 2025.
Both Baffour-Awuah, a noted financier of the Nsoatreman Football Club, and Kyeremeh face charges of abetment to commit murder concerning the homicide of Francis Frimpong, a Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC supporter. Their associate, Agyemang Duah, a police inspector, is charged with murder and has been remanded in custody. The prosecution, led by Inspector Alexander Oppong, asserted that the suspects’ involvement in this murder required them to be detained to assist in ongoing investigations.
During the court proceedings, Inspector Oppong detailed that a search of suspect Owusu’s residence uncovered critical evidence, including two garments stained with what appeared to be blood and an MP 23 pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition. In response, the defense attorney, Mr. Moses Obah, argued for bail on the basis of his clients’ social status and their willingness to cooperate with law enforcement. The suspects were apprehended due to violent disturbances that erupted during a football match on February 2, which led to the tragic death of Frimpong.
The incident leading up to this court case occurred during a Ghana Premier League match, where violence broke out, resulting in the death of a football supporter. This case involves prominent figures in Ghana’s sports community, raising concerns over safety at sporting events and the implications of alleged corruption within the sports administration. The legal ramifications surrounding such high-profile individuals are significant as they draw public attention and insist on accountability for actions that threaten community safety.
The Sunyani District Court’s decision to grant bail to Baffour-Awuah and Kyeremeh reflects the ongoing legal proceedings in a case that intertwines sports, violence, and alleged criminal activities. With the next court appearance set for February 2025, the situation continues to evolve as authorities seek to clarify the involvement of all parties in this grave matter. The case underscores the need for measures ensuring the security and safety of fans at sporting events in Ghana.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
