Court Remands Three People Linked to Attack on Firefighters Amid Racecourse Market Blaze

Three individuals have been remanded by the Kwadaso Circuit Court following their alleged involvement in an attack on fire officers at Racecourse Market on Monday.

The accused, identified as 18-year-old Solomon Anaba, 21-year-old Lamamia Ishmael, and 18-year-old Akongoli Adoko, were apprehended for reportedly assaulting a fire crew who were responding to a blaze that engulfed a section of Racecourse Market.

They face charges of conspiracy to commit assault and assault on public officers.

While the Ghana National Fire Service initially reported the arrest of five individuals in connection with the incident, only three appeared in court on Tuesday.

During the proceedings, the prosecution, led by ASP Jonas Newlove Adjei, urged the court to remand the accused individuals to facilitate a thorough investigation into the matter.

ASP Adjei emphasized that the accused were squatters without a fixed place of abode, raising concerns that they could potentially interfere with the ongoing investigation if granted bail.

Presiding over the case, His Honor Stephen Kumi acceded to the prosecution’s request and remanded the accused into police custody. They are scheduled to reappear in court on March 26, 2024.

One of the fire officers sustained injuries during the altercation. According to reports, the accused individuals accused the officers of arriving late at the scene and subsequently began pelting stones at them.

A fire that ignited around 1 am on Monday ravaged a portion of the Racecourse Market, primarily impacting the area where millers operate.

Traders selling foodstuffs and ingredients also bore the brunt of the blaze, with approximately 180 container shops being affected.

The majority of traders were unable to salvage their belongings, and more than 20 milling machines were destroyed in the inferno.

STORY BY ; PORTIA AKU SHIKA GAFAH