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Police nab CR NPP chairman, 5 others … over missing ‘galamsey’ excavators

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police on Monday, arrested six persons, including the Central Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Ekow Ewusi.

The CID yesterday conducted a search at the residence of Mr Ekow Ewusi, according to a police source that pleaded anonymity.

The source that confirmed these to the Ghanaian Times,  said the move was necessary to help the police get firsthand information about the whereabouts of some missing excavators, which were placed under the care of the politician, who was arrested on Monday.

Despite several pleas from Mr Ewusi’s lawyers, he was denied bail and still remained in the custody of the police CID as at the time this story was filed.

Reports have it that some owners of the seized excavators paid huge sums of monies to the politician with the hope of getting their excavators back.

Mr Ewusi’s arrest was triggered by a request made by the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MESTI), Professor Frimpong Boateng, in a letter, which said Mr Ewusi was contracted to cart excavators and other vehicles and equipment seized by personnel of Operation Vanguard, to designated areas for safe keeping.

It further stated that the suspect had taken an unknown number of equipment to unauthorised locations, including Tema, adding that the information was confirmed by the caretaker of the depot in Tema.

“Information reaching me indicates that he has sold an unknown number of the pieces of equipment including excavators. I wish to appeal to the Police Administration to investigate the matter,” the letter said.

Mr Ewusi, since his arrest, has undergone series of questioning at the CID headquarters.

The police has  urged persons, who might have paid money to Mr Awusi in efforts to retrieve their excavators from him, to submit valid documents covering their equipment, for further investigation.

According to a statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police, Head of Public Affairs at CID, operatives of Operation Vanguard has also arrested Frederick Ewusi, Joel Asamoah , Adnan Haruna , Frank Gyan and John Arhin, accomplices, in connection with the case.

Frederick Ewusi and Mr Asamoah have been cautioned on the offence of stealing, while Mr Haruna, Mr Gyan and Mr Arhin have been cautioned on abetment to commit crime. According to the police, all suspects are still in police custody.

Some members of the public have expressed disappointment at the behaviour of the politician and other suspects, and urged the police to continue with their investigations and ensure the suspects are dealt with in accordance with the law.

BY RAISSA SAMBOU          

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