Police shut down Sunyani-based Penwood farm over precautionary measures

Police in the Bono Region have shut down Sunyani Based Penwood Farm Shop owned by a British businessman, Francis Christopher Coope permanently following precautionary measures and subsequent disrespect of officials.

The owner is also under police investigations after he allegedly manhandled personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) this afternoon.

The suspect is also alleged to have attacked journalists giving coverage when a team of fire personnel went to access fire safety precautions at the shop.

Background:

As part of the Bono Regional Fire Service Command routine exercise to prevent fire outbreaks during harmattan seasons, on Wednesday, 5th January 2022, personnel from the service visited shops in the Sunyani metropolis including Penwood farms shop to educate owners and staff on how to manage fire emergency.

“We asked for police assistance and went to Victoria Park upon information that the suspect is operating a business likely to catch fire and destroy lives and properties. Upon arrival at the shop and identifying ourselves to him, he refused us entry but our investigations revealed he is storing cylinders filled with gas, and having a generator in his shop without a vent. Police then invited him to the station but he resisted arrest and started throwing punches at one of our officers including the media man around without provocative”,  The Sunyani Municipal Fire Service Commander, DOIII Solomon Duah-Agyeman narrated.

“Our effort to calm nerves down proved futile so the  Police arrested him and took him to the police station for further action. Our injured personnel has lodged a complaint of assault against him and we are waiting for police’s action”, the Municipal for commander emphasized.

The suspect who claims to have been in Ghana for fifteen months owns a supermarket in the Bono Regional capital, Sunyani without legal documentation to engage in a retail business, according to information gathered.

At the time of filing this report,  Penwood Farm Shop owned had been closed down with police assistance.