An aluminum fabricator and a trader, who allegedly got involved in the recent rioting on the George Walker Bush Motorway, were yesterday arraigned before an Accra circuit court.

The accused persons, Collins Obeng and Stephen Ayamba, are alleged to have acted together, with about 300 people, who are currently at large, to block the highway after the occurrence of a fatal accident.

The accused persons, who blocked the highway with stones to prevent motorist from using it, allegedly fought against the police when they appeared on the scene to control the situation. They were, however, arrested in the midst of the 300 accomplices, who managed to escape.

Both accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge of rioting with weapons, contrary to section 199 of the criminal code 1960 Act 29.

They have been admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢10,000 with two sureties and are expected to re-appear before the court on February 21, 2013.

The facts are that on January 21, 2013, at about 10:30am, there was a fatal accident on the George Walker Bush Highway at Lapaz, a suburb of Accra.

The prosecutor, DSP Riendolf Agyemang told the court after the accident, the accused persons, together with other people numbering about 300, who are currently at large, went on a rampage on the road, holding offensive instruments such as sticks and iron bars.

He said the accused persons together with their accomplices also blocked the highway with stones and tables, preventing motorists from using the road.

According to him, the situation on the Highway called for a police patrol team, which was dispatched from the Regional Headquarters to the scene to avert any calamity.

DSP Agyemang stated that the accused persons, on seeing the police, began throwing stones at them and in the process, the accused persons were arrested and sent to the Tesano police station for investigation.