15 get bail over alleged arson attack on EC office

The Osino District Court in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region has granted bail to 15 individuals accused of involvement in the arson attack on the Electoral Commission (EC) office in Asuboi, located within the Ayensuano Constituency.

The incident, which occurred on December 10, 2024, followed a protest by a group identifying as the Ayensuano Concerned Youth. The protest erupted after the EC declared Ida Adwoa Asiedu as the Member of Parliament-elect for the constituency, leading to the EC office being set on fire.

The suspects were subsequently arrested and charged with arson. Each was granted bail set at GH₵20,000 with a surety and is expected to appear in court again on January 14, 2025. The bail decision was issued by His Worship Salifu Bugri Ayagiba, despite objections from the prosecution.

Detective Chief Inspector Kamal Salifu Gumah, representing the prosecution, opposed the bail, citing ongoing investigations and raising concerns about potential interference by the accused.

In response, the defense counsel argued that the suspects were respected members of their community and committed to cooperating with the judicial process. Accepting these assurances, the court ruled in favor of granting bail.

“The police alleged that some of the NDC members had gone to demolish the EC office at Ayensuano, so we had to come to court to help them and by God’s grace, we have been able to secure bail for them. We will come back to the case on January 14, 2025,” the defense counsel said after the ruling.

“Since they have been granted bail, the court has asked them to report to the Kibi police commander to ensure that they are still available. Everyone was granted GH₵20,000 bail. All the fifteen people were granted bail today,” he added.