Elmina: Three Benya FM attackers granted ¢30k bail each

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The three suspects involved in the attack on Elmina-based Benya FM have been granted a ¢30, 000 bail by the Cape Coast Circuit Court.

This was after their lawyers successfully pushed for their release from custody – after they pleaded not guilty to all charges against them.

The court presided over by H/W Dorinds Smith Arthur, further ordered the suspects to produce two sureties with one a government worker earning not less than ¢2,000.

The case, which was called on Friday, May 20, 2022, has been adjourned to June 28, 2022.

The police arrested the three suspects in Elmina on Wednesday, when the station came under attack earlier this week.

They have been named as Isaac Opare Aikins, 25, a watchman, Michael Asabre aged 25 who is a premix fuel attendant and 32-year-old Anthony Eshun.

The suspects have been charged, among others, with unlawful entry, causing damage, stealing and assault.

Spokesperson for Benya FM, James Nunoo, said they are satisfied with the court’s decision.

“We believe this will serve as a deterrent to others. Of late, there have been a lot of these cases where people take the law into their own hands and put fear and panic in the work we do.”

“We believe this is a classic case and the court will listen to us and do justice, so it will serve as a deterrent to others,” Mr. Nunoo said.

The broadcaster, who was assaulted, Eric Blessing Eshun, alleged that the MCE for the area was behind the attack.

The MCE, Ebo Appiah, has, however, denied the claims.

Government, reacting to the incident indicated that a Deputy Information Minister, Fatimatu Abubakar, has already spoken to the manager of the station and the District Police Commander, both of whom are working together to investigate the incident and ensure that the suspects are brought to book.

The Ministry said there is no justification for the attack, as there are more appropriate means of registering complaints where one feels they are being misrepresented by the media.

This incident comes not long after Ghana was ranked poorly in the latest world press freedom index by the campaign group, the Reporters Without Borders.

The 2022 index saw Ghana ranking 60 after placing 30 in 2022.

This is Ghana’s lowest-ever ranking in 17 years after it ranked 66th and 67th in 2005 and 2002 respectively.

The latest report is out of 180 countries assessed with Ghana recording a decline in its indicative points from 78.67 percent to 67.43 compared to last year.

SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH