Sunyani court restricts movement of former minister Baffour-Awuah over alleged murder case

A District Court “B” in Sunyani has imposed strict movement restrictions on former Employment and Labour Relations Minister, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, following his involvement in an alleged murder case.

The former Sunyani West MP, who is also the owner and financier of Nsoatreman Football Club (FC), is now required to obtain judicial approval before leaving the Sunyani Municipality. This directive was issued as part of his bail conditions when he appeared before the court on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, alongside two other suspects—Agyemang Duah Owusu, his bodyguard, and Joseph Kyeremeh.

The suspects are being investigated for their alleged roles in the murder of Francis Frimpong, a passionate supporter of Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC, during a violent altercation on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The incident occurred at the Nsoatre Professor Amoah Koromansah II Stadium when Nsoatreman FC hosted Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC in a Ghana Premier League match.

The court, presided over by Eric Daning, charged Baffour-Awuah and Kyeremeh with “abetment to commit a crime, to wit murder” under Sections 20(1) and 46 of the Criminal Offenses Act 1960 (Act 29). They were each granted bail set at GH¢500,000 with one surety to be justified. Additionally, the court ordered Baffour-Awuah to surrender his passport to the court registry for 14 days.

Meanwhile, Owusu, the minister’s bodyguard, was charged with murder and remanded in police custody. All three suspects are scheduled to reappear before the court on Monday, February 17, 2025.

Prosecuting, Inspector Alexander Oppong argued that the suspects were linked to the murder and requested that the court remand all of them to assist with investigations. He revealed that a search of Owusu’s residence led to the discovery of two blood-stained outfits and an MP 23 pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition.

However, defense counsel Moses Obah pleaded for bail on behalf of his clients, asserting that they were well-known public figures who would cooperate fully with the police.