Ghanaian actress and socialite, Rosemond Brown who is popularly;known as ‘Akuapem Poloo’ has been sentenced to 90 days in prison.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Vault Media;(TVM), Lawyer Adwoa Osafredu Asubonteng who is a private legal practitioner;and a professional mediator, intimated that all hope isn’t lost for ‘Akuapem Poloo’.
Lawyer Adwoa explained that ‘Akuapem Poloo’s’ lawyers could;make an Appeal application to the court if she, Rosemond, feels dissatisfied with her sentencing.
“All hope isn’t lost for Rosemond. She has the liberty to apply for an Appeal and to make a bail application pending the Appeal as well. Thus, if the bail is granted and she complies;with the bail conditions, she would not be in custody throughout the Appeal hearing”.
Nevertheless, she stated that “the bail is at the Court’s discretion to grant. They may or may not grant the bail if they are not satisfied with the reasons;advanced by the Accused or her lawyer”.
Akuapem Poolo’s Sentence, a punishment to deter others
Speaking further about the sentencing, Lawyer Adwoa mentioned that the Judge presiding over case only exercised her powers. She also explained that based on Her Honor Christiana Cann’s;sentencing, it’s a “deterrent approach to punishment”– a punishment to deter others from making the same mistake.
Lawyer Adwoa also explained that Her Honor Christiana Cann;was at liberty to give a fine or custodial sentencing, as ‘Akuapem Poloo’s’ case is that of a;misdemeanor and domestic violence.
“Rosemond was convicted on a count of Publication of Obscene;materials contrary to the Criminal Offences Act of Ghana, 1960 (Act29). This offence according to the Act is a misdemeanor. Therefore, she can’t be sentenced to an imprisonment exceeding 3 years. She can, however, be fined in place of the said imprisonment sentence.
“She has also been charged with counts of domestic violence;relating to conducts which undermine the privacy and integrity of another person, and conduct;which detracts, or is likely to detract from the dignity of another human being. Per the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732), the maximum custodial punishment;is a two (2) year imprisonment, a fine, or a combination of both”.
Concerns of the laws of the country
Meanwhile, there have been several concerns about the laws of the country not taking effect as it should.
Speaking on that, Lawyer Adwoa averred that the laws in the country won’t work;without citizens contributing to ensure that the laws are observed and those;who fall short of it are dealt with in accordance with the law.
“The laws in Ghana will not work by itself, especially;with criminal matters. In most instances, there would be a need to make reports to the police and then a follow-up will be done from there as was done in this case [‘Akuapem Poloo’]. Many commentaries are being made;on why other persons who have;been posting nudes haven’t been arraigned before a court of law yet. The question to be asked is, have such persons;been reported to the Police for the publication;of such obscene pictures or videos yet? And has the;Police relented in pursuing such cases after such reports?”
She further mentioned that several people deem certain acts as;“normalized” or “trivial” because they don’t know that there are laws prohibiting such acts. However, Lawyer Adwoa was quick;to add that “unfortunately, ignorance of the law has never been an excuse”.
Cases in courts are being pursued despite how long it takes
Lawyer Adwoa noted that the reason why several people are;fighting for Rosemond to be freed is because such sympathizers are coming;from a place where they believe there are far more important legal cases to be dealt with than ‘Akuapem Poloo’s’. But then she noted that “the fact that a case is being dragged or taking a long period of time;for trial in courts doesn’t mean it isn’t being pursued.
“Also, the fact that one case hasn’t been pursued to; the;end doesn’t mean when others pop up, it should be brushed aside. There are various courts dealing with;various Offences and legal matters in Ghana”.
She later admonished and cautioned that Ghanaians should always;be well informed of some decisions they make so they don’t fall into any difficulties.
“We should therefore as a people seek knowledge on such;matters; in order to guide our actions and to avoid;falling into such predicaments”.
Akuapem Poloo’s sentence
It can be recalled that last year, the social media sensation, ‘Akuapem Poloo’ posted;some naked photos of herself and her son on his seventh birthday;anniversary which caused an uproar amongst a section of Ghanaians. She was sentenced this morning on the charges of publication of obscene material;and domestic violence to wit conducts which undermines the privacy and integrity;of another person, and conduct which detracts, or is likely to detract from the dignity of another human being.
