Agona Nsaba Businessman Fined for Assaulting Pastor in Land Dispute

Agona Nsaba – A 53-year-old businessman, Kwamina Duncan, also known as Nigeriaman, was fined GHC2,400 by the Agona Nsaba Magistrate’s Court for assaulting Pastor Benjamin Kwaitu in a land dispute. The court, presided over by Mr. Victor Kusi, found Duncan guilty of the charge of assault and additionally ordered him to pay for the pastor’s medical expenses.

According to Ghana News Agency, who prosecuted the case, the conflict arose a few months ago over a piece of land in the Agona East District of the Central Region. Pastor Kwaitu, a resident of Nsaba and native of Akim Oda, was gifted the land by a family member of Duncan. However, Duncan contested the gift and claimed ownership of the land.

The incident leading to the assault occurred on the morning of April 5, 2023. Pastor Kwaitu and some members of his church were gathered at the Nsaba Health Center Junction to commence church activities when Duncan, arriving on a motorbike, confronted the pastor about the disputed land. During the altercation, Duncan struck Pastor Kwaitu’s face with a plastic bottle filled with oil, resulting in the oil spilling on the pastor and splashing onto several church members.

Following the assault, Pastor Kwaitu reported the incident to the police, where he was issued a medical form and sought treatment. Subsequent police investigations led to the charging and conviction of Duncan for the offense.

The court’s decision to impose the fine and cover the pastor’s medical costs is a resolution to the heated dispute that had escalated into physical violence, highlighting the legal consequences of such actions.