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Policeman at Opeibea
intersection knew his work - Witness
Accra, May 27, GNA - Sergeant Christian Koda of the Central
Motor Transport Traffic Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police
Service on Tuesday denied claims by Mr Kwame Boafo Akuffo,
counsel for Thomas Osei, the man who drove into the
President's car, that lack of attention from the policeman
at the Opeibea intersection could have caused the accident.
He said Constable Eric Frimpong who was at the intersection
knew his work and did it efficiently.
Sergeant Koda was speaking during cross-examination by Mr.
Akuffo at the ongoing trial of Osei.
He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges levelled
against him and is
on remand.
Asked by Mr. Akuffo whether Sgt. Koda knew the speed at
which the car of the accused was travelling from Aviance to
the Alliance Francaise, he said the speed could only be
determined by an expert.
He said because there were no brake marks at the accident
scene it was difficult to conclude whether the accused
attempted to apply the brakes.
Sergeant Koda said the President's Aide Decamp (ADC) and
driver had told him that they saw Constable Frimpong at the
middle of Opeibea intersection while the community police
person was at the left side road median.
He said during the re-enactment of the accident scene and
through his investigations it became clear that the distance
between the first motorcycle that was around Golden Tulip
Hotel and the second was 20 metres.
Asked by Mr Akuffo whether the sirens had been preserved for
the President's car, he replied in the negative saying other
institutions such as the ambulance, military, Fire Service
and the Police could also use it.
Sergeant Koda said following his investigations on the
accident he recommended to his superiors to strengthen
security at the various intersections in the capital.
Osei, 51, a businessman, has been charged with five counts
of motor traffic offences, use of narcotic drugs and failing
to change ownership of the vehicle.
The charges are dangerous driving, negligently causing harm,
driving under the influence of alcohol, failing to give way
to presidential siren and use of narcotic drugs.
The President escaped unhurt.
GNA
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