FREMPONG vs. THE REPUBLIC

On 12 February 1971 I allowed the appeal against the conviction of the appellant by the District Court Grade II, Nkawkaw, on a charge of stealing contrary to section 124 of the Criminal Code, 1960 (Act 29). Originally the appellant faced two other charges of undermining the power of a chief, contrary to section 3 (1) (b) of the Chieftaincy Act, 1961 (Act 81), and offensive conduct conducive to breach of the peace, contrary to section 207 of Act 29. At the close of the prosecution’s case, the appellant was acquitted and discharged on the two other charges, and he was called upon to enter upon his defence in respect of the first charge, which he did and he gave evidence and called witnesses. He was convicted on the charge of stealing and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour. It is from this conviction that he has appealed. The stealing charge arose from the destoolment of the accused as the odikro or chief of Awenade stool. According to the evidence of the sec...