About GH¢155,791 paid as court fines nationwide in first half 2010

Out of a total of GH¢156,203 imposed as court fines for various traffic offences nationwide between January and June this year, GH¢155,791 has been paid so far.

During the same period last year, about GH¢137,106 was earned from court fines.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Friday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Daniel Julius Avorga, Commander of Police Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU), said a total of 1,812 cases were reported out of which 1,335 were sent to court.

He said 848 people were convicted, 274 were awaiting trial, while 301 were under investigations. Another 66 offenders were on bench warrants, 28 were jailed, 176 were given warning letters and 180 discharged.

DCOP Avorga said between January and June last year, 914 cases were reported out of which 717 were sent to court and 554 convicted and 141 awaiting trial.

The MTTU Commander said although Greater Accra Region recorded 555, the highest number of reported cases, about 366 were sent to court and a total of GH¢34,600 was imposed out of which GH¢34,188 were paid.

Ashanti Region followed with 309 reported cases where 214 were sent to court and the GH¢39,610 fines imposed were all paid.

All court fines imposed on traffic offenders in Brong Ahafo, Eastern, Central, Tema, Western, Northern and Volta Regions were all fully paid.

However, there were no court fines in Upper East, whereas there were no available records from Upper West Region.

In Upper East Region, 19 cases were reported out of which 10 were sent to court, one person was convicted, 13 awaiting trial, with eight cases under investigations.

Source: GNA