CHIEFS WEEPS IN COURT (MIRROR, PAGE 27, MAY 22, 2010)

From Joe Okyere, Cape Coast

The chief of Ekumpoano in the Mfantseman Municipality, Nana Korsah VII, aka Kofi Aborabor, could not hold his tears as he wept uncontrollably after he had been remanded for the second time for another two weeks by the Circuit Court in Cape Coast where he is standing trial for alleged rape.
Nana Korsah burst into tears minutes after the Judge, Mr Beresford Acquah, had asked his counsel, Mr J.P.K. Appiatse, to file a plea of alibi through the appropriate procedure.
At the hearing, Mr Appiatse had indicated that he had filed an application of alibi to the effect that Nana Korsah was not in Ekumpoano on the day the victim claimed she was raped.
Mr Appiatse said there was evidence to prove that the chief was at Fanti Nyankomasi on that day.
Mr Appiatse even offered GH¢30 to the prosecutor to enable him to travel to Fanti Nyankomasi to ascertain the suspect’s claim.
When he appeared before the court two weeks ago, Nana Korsah had pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape and was subsequently remanded for two weeks to reappear.
According to Inspector Daniel Agbezuhior, Nana Korsah sent the victim to buy fish for him the evening of the day in question and when she returned, she could not find him.
The victim, who knew where the chief stayed, decided to send the fish to the chief’s house and on knocking on his door, the chief opened the door and locked it.
He then demanded to sleep with the lady who refused but after a hard struggle with her, the chief tore her dress, panties and forcibly slept with her.
He said the victim went home after the incident and reported the case to her mother and a report was made to the police the next morning since it was then late.
Meanwhile, chiefs of the Ekumpoano Traditioanl Council have disassociated themselves from the chief. According to them, Nana Korsah is not recognised by the council.