Three individuals were fined GH₵600 apiece, or 50 penalty units, by the District Magistrate Court at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for blocking a public road and neglecting to show up for court as scheduled.
Following their noncompliance with a court summons related to a recent fire outbreak at Accra’s Timber Market, the convicted individuals Abdulai Ibrahim, Clement Quarcoo, and Sumanu Imoro were taken into custody on a bench warrant.
The prosecutor, Nii Okine Aryee, claimed that the three people detained by the AMA’s Public Health Officers had obstructed entry points with wood piles, which prevented firefighters from arriving on the site in time to put out the fire.
The department stated that their activities presented significant hazards to life and property and hindered emergency response efforts.
Speaking about the development, Mr. Gilbert Nii Ankrah, the AMA’s Head of Public Affairs, stated that the Assembly would keep working with law enforcement to make sure that its safety and sanitation bye-laws are strictly followed.
“The Assembly will not condone any act that obstructs emergency response or endangers public safety. We are urging traders and artisans, particularly within the Timber Market and other commercial enclaves, to keep access routes clear and adhere to AMA regulations,” he stated.
Mr. Ankrah reminded the public that the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) and the bylaws of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly make it illegal to impede law enforcement officials or emergency responders from carrying out their legitimate tasks.
Under the “Resetting Accra” agenda, he reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to continuing enforcement and compliance operations in order to guarantee a cleaner, safer, and more resilient city.
Source: newsthemegh.com