Eight men convicted, fined GhS6000 over Ablekuma North by-election violence
By DL News
Published
1 min read
Presiding Judge His Honour Isaac Addo ruled that each of the accused must pay a fine of 500 penalty units (GH¢6,000) or, in default, serve 24 months in prison
The Accra Circuit Court has convicted eight men for their involvement in violent disturbances during the Ablekuma North parliamentary re-run, handing down fines and possible custodial sentences.
Presiding Judge His Honour Isaac Addo ruled that each of the accused must pay a fine of 500 penalty units (GH¢6,000) or, in default, serve 24 months in prison.
The convicts — Mohammed Abubakari, Tijani Mahmudu, Prince Dzakpasu, Anas Mohammed, Mohammed Hamda, Darko Otibu Samuel, Musah Muntari, and Ali Saeed (alias Bomba) — pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit assault and three counts of assault under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
According to prosecutors, the men launched unprovoked attacks on three individuals at the Methodist Church Polling Station:
Hawa Mavis Koomson, former Minister of State and ex-MP for Awutu Senya East,
Majeed Mohammed Saana, a trader, and
Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei, Deputy Organiser of the NPP.
Videos of the assaults quickly went viral, drawing public condemnation and renewing calls for tougher measures against election-related violence.
The case, which commenced on August 26, was fast-tracked after the accused persons admitted their roles in the incident. This led to an expedited judgment and sentencing.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) praised the ruling, calling it an important milestone in strengthening accountability and reinforcing the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process.
