REPUBLIC V. QUANSAH

ARCHER J.

The criminal proceedings in this case commenced at the Circuit Court, Cape Coast, but by an order of transfer signed by his lordship the Chief Justice, the case was transferred to this court to be summarily tried.

The accused, Abraham Quansah, is charged with corruption by a public officer: contrary to section 239 (1) of the Criminal Code, 1960 (Act 29). The particulars of offence as they appear on the charge sheet are that:

"No. 1203 GC/2 Abraham Quansah on 1 November 1966 at Asikuma and within the jurisdiction of this court, being a public officer, to wit: general police constable, under colour of your office, and in respect of the duties of your office, did receive the sum of ¢8.00 and permitted your conduct as a public officer to be influenced by foregoing the arrest of Jane Ayensu and Afua Ansowo for the crime of selling above the price control in consideration of the sum of N¢8.00."

When the charge was read I entertained certain qualms as to the propriety of the inclusion …