Two individuals, Bernard Arhin, a 68-year-old driver, and Paul Quansah, a 51-year-old wheel loader operator, have been remanded into police custody by an Accra Circuit Court.
The court proceedings follow allegations that the pair caused damage to a three-storey uncompleted building located in Roman Ridge, Accra.
The accused, along with their accomplices Kwabena Boateng Aidoo (aka Commander) and an individual known as Gado, are now subjects of legal action.
The charges brought against Arhin and Quansah include conspiracy to commit a crime, unlawful entry, and causing unlawful damage, to which they have both pleaded not guilty.
Presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah, the court has scheduled the next appearance for December 28.
According to Superintendent of Police Augustine Yirenkyi, who leads the prosecution, the complainant in this case is Richard Kpakpo Allotey, the Managing Director of an Estate Agency residing in Tantra Hills, Accra.
The accused individuals hail from Amanfrom and Tema Community 24.
The prosecution outlines that in 2019, the complainant's company acquired a parcel of land from Savana Estate at Roman Ridge.
Subsequently, in April 2019, the complainant's company obtained a land title certificate from the Land Commission, and in November 2019, they secured a building permit from the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly.
The legal proceedings stem from events on September 8, 2023, when the complainant discovered unknown persons trespassing on the land, locking up the main gate, and even kidnapping the caretaker.
Subsequent incidents involved confrontations with Kwabena Boateng Aidoo, who also claimed ownership and allegedly locked up the property.
Reports made to the Police at Kotobabi detailed Aidoo's alleged organization of land guards on November 30, 2023, leading to the entry, demolition of portions of the uncompleted building, and assault on the security personnel.
Further developments on December 3, 2023, saw Aidoo mobilizing Military and Police personnel, along with officials from the Land Commission, to “invade” the land.
The complainant lodged a petition with the Greater Accra Police Command, prompting action.
In connection with the case, William Hanson was arrested, claiming engagement with Kwabena Boateng Aidoo.
The prosecutor informed the court on December 15, 2023, that Arhin and Quansah, along with other accomplices, caused damage to the property.
Prompt police response led to the arrest of Arhin and Quansah, while their accomplices managed to escape.