Ex Minister Baffour Awuah granted bail

A Sunyani District Court has granted bail to former Employment and Labour Relations Minister, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, following his arrest in connection with violent clashes during a league match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko at Nsoatre in the Bono Region, which resulted in one death.

Police arrested BaffourAwuah, also the former Sunyani West MP, along with Agyemang Duah Owusu and Joseph Kyeremeh on February 3, 2025. Authorities charged him with abetment to commit crime, to wit murder, under Sections 20(1) and 46 of the Criminal Offenses Act 1960 (Act 29).

Judge Eric Daning, who presided over the Sunyani District Magistrate Court B, granted Baffour Awuah and Joseph Kyeremeh bail, each set at GHC 500,000 with two sureties, one of which must be justified. However, the court remanded Agyemang Duah Owusu, also known as Agyingo, into police custody.

As part of his bail conditions, Baffour Awuah must surrender his passport to the court registry for 14 daysandseek court approval before leaving Sunyani Municipality. Additionally, both he and Kyeremeh must report to the police daily for the first 14 days before their next court appearance on February 17, 2025.

The case stems from violent disturbances that erupted during the Nsoatreman FC vs. Asante Kotoko match on February 2, 2025. The clashes resulted in the death of Francis Frimpong, alias Pooley, a supporter of Asante Kotoko. Police launched an investigation and arrested the three suspects the following day.

During a search at Agyemang Duah Owusu’s residence, police retrieved two bloodstained dresses and an MP 23 pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition. Investigators are analyzing the evidence to establish its connection to the case.

Following the incident, Inspector-General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare personally reached out to the family of the deceased and the leadership of Asante Kotoko FC. He assured them of a thorough investigation and pledged justice for the victim.

To reinforce the probe, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters has deployed a special team to support the Bono Regional Police Command in uncovering the full details behind the attack.

As the case progresses, all eyes remain on the court proceedings scheduled for February 17, 2025, where further legal determinations will be made regarding the fate of the accused individuals.