Accra: Prince Atakora, also known as 'Kofi Atakora', a 26-year-old trader, has been granted bail by an Accra Circuit Court due to his alleged unauthorized possession of a locally manufactured pistol accompanied by three live cartridges. Atakora explained to the Police that he discovered the weapon in his late father's room located in Mampong, Ashanti Region. He further stated that he brought it to Accra with the intention of finding a buyer, aiming to raise funds to settle his wife's medical expenses. Although Atakora was charged with possessing firearms without lawful authorization, he pleaded not guilty to the allegations. The Court, under the jurisdiction of Mr Isaac Addo, set Atakora's bail at GH?200,000.00, requiring two justified sureties. The hearing has been rescheduled for November 8, 2023.
According to Ghana News Agency , who is prosecuting the case, the complaints originated from Police officers stationed at the Regional CTU in Accra. Meanwhile, the accused individual resides at the Achimota Charcoal station in the same city. The prosecution revealed that on October 12, 2023, the Regional Police Command was informed that Atakora was in possession of a locally crafted pistol and was allegedly attempting to sell it. Acting on this intelligence, the police advanced to the Achimota Charcoal station, which led to Atakora's arrest along with the confiscation of the said pistol and cartridges. During the subsequent investigation, Atakora acknowledged having the pistol and cartridges in his possession, reiterating his statement that the firearm was retrieved from his late father's room in Mampong and that he had intended to sell it in Accra to fund his wife's hospital bills.