Eight men convicted for assault during Ablekuma North by-election

The Circuit Court in Accra has convicted eight men for their roles in violent attacks during the Ablekuma North parliamentary election re-run at the Methodist Church Polling Station on July 11, 2025.

The convicts — Jijani Mahmudu (driver, Mamobi), Prince Dzakpasu (businessman, Newtown), Anas Mohammed (estate developer, Lapaz), Mohammed Hamda (mechanic, Alajo), Darko Otibu Samuel (businessman, Amasaman), Musah Muntari (station manager, Mallam Atta), Ali Saeed (businessman, Fadama), and Al Mohammed Abubakar (private security guard, Alajo) — all pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to assault and three counts of assault.

They were found guilty on their own plea before presiding judge Isaac Addo, who deferred sentencing to Friday, August 29, 2025. Until then, each has been granted bail of GH¢80,000 with one surety.

Background of the Case

According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, the incident occurred when the complainants, all members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), visited polling stations during the election re-run.

At the Methodist Church Polling Station, former MP for Awutu Senya East Hawa Koomson and trader Majeed Mohammed Sanaa were attacked by the group. Security officers intervened to rescue them, but the assailants then turned their aggression on Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei, Deputy Organiser of the NPP, who was also present.

All three victims later reported the matter at the Odorkor Police Station and the Regional CID, where they were issued medical forms for treatment.

The accused were subsequently arrested. Despite denying the charges in their caution statements, police investigations confirmed their involvement, leading to their arraignment and eventual conviction.

This conviction adds to the growing number of prosecutions linked to election-related violence, as authorities continue to stress their commitment to ensuring accountability and safeguarding Ghana’s democratic processes.