DCE hot over ‘instigated’ assault of Local Government worker

The District Chief Executive for Asene-Manso-Akroso, Alex Incoom, is in hot waters following an alleged assault on the Planning Officer of his assembly, Benjamin Quarcoo, by his special aide.

The Local Government Service Workers Union (LGWU) has condemned the alleged assault, and wants both the DCE and aide pay for their action.

“We can’t allow such things to happen…if you have any beef with your worker the workplace is not the place for it….when you get to the workplace, it’s all about work and nothing more. If you close from work and you decide to fight outside then it’s up to you,” General Secretary of LGWU, Godfred Nyarko Okyere, said.

In a media interview, Mr Okyere added: “If it’s possible, the DCE must also be prosecuted for ordering his guard to attack the Planning Officer. These things cannot be allowed to go on without any action. We won’t allow anyone who feels too powerful due to his position to be abusing our members.”

Prosecution

Meanwhile, Kofi Adu, the special aide to the DCE, is currently facing prosecution.

The Oda Municipal Police Command obtained criminal summons from the court to compel the DCE to produce Adu in court since he (DCE) had allegedly prevented the accused on several occasions from honouring police invitations to assist in investigations.

Presenting the facts of the case when Adu appeared before the Akyem Oda District Magistrate Court yesterday, Inspector George Oteng Apau said on December 15, 2020, Mr Incoom, the DCE, came to the assembly and learnt that Mr Quarcoo who was on leave had resumed duty.

Mr Incoom combed the whole area searching for the Planning Officer, shouting at the top of his office “where is Ben Quarcoo?”

He met Mr Quarcoo sitting at the couch of the district assembly premises, and without any provocation allegedly ordered Adu, his special aide, to physically assault the Planning Officer.

Mr Quarcoo was issued with a medical form to seek treatment at the Oda Government Hospital, as he had several bruises on his body.

The Municipal Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Daniel Amoako, sent Police investigators to Akyem Manso to invite Adu to the Municipal Police Headquarters at Akyem Oda to assist in investigations, but on each occasion, the DCE allegedly prevented him from honouring police investigations.

The Police had no other alternative than to apply for criminal summons from the Oda District Magistrate Court to compel the DCE to produce the accused in court yesterday, March 23, 2021.

After listening to the prosecution, the Presiding Magistrate, Kwesi Apiatse Abaidoo, granted Adu self-recognizance bail to reappear on April 13, 2021.

He said since the accused was in court as a result of criminal summons, the Police should take his statement and prefer proper charges against him before producing him in court at the next adjourned date.