A Circuit court in Techiman presided by Mr. Michael Cudjoe Ntumy, has remanded a chain-saw operator to two weeks in prison custody for allegedly burning two-thatched rooms at Kranka in
the Nkoranza North District.
Kwadwo Yeboah, alias ‘Sempoa”, 32, pleaded not guilty to all the three counts of intentionally and unlawfully setting ablaze
the rooms and property of Madam Beatrice Saah, his girl-friend.
He would re-appear before the court on March 16.
Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Augustine Amponsah told the court that Yeboah and Madam Saah lived together as lovers but on January 20, this year, the latter sought permission to visit Kumasi to attend to her sick children and promised to return in a few days.
The prosecutor said while the victim was leaving for Kumasi, she left behind her nine-year-old boy in the care of her younger sister, Paulina Kyeremaa.
Madam Saah did not return as promised and Yeboah got hurt and told Paulina he would punish her (Saah) because information had reached him that Saah went to a lover in Kumasi.
He said on February six this year, while Paulina was asleep with the nine-year-old boy she smelt petrol in the room.
C/Insp. Amponsah said she searched the room but could not find a drop of petrol and when she came out to urinate, she saw Yeboah take to his heels.
He said the house suddenly burst into flames and mustering courage, Paulina entered the room and pulled out the nine year -old boy amidst screams for help.
Neighbours rushed to the scene but could not quench the fire, which had gone out of control and burnt all properties including three sewing machines and other personal belongings worth several thousands of Ghana Cedis.
A report was made to the police.