Politics

Court Fines Eight Men GH¢48,000 for Ablekuma North Election Violence

8 granted bail for Ablekuma North re-run violence

The Accra Circuit Court has convicted and fined eight men for their roles in the Ablekuma North by-election violence.

The eight men who took part in the Ablekuma North by-election violence have been convicted by the Accra Circuit Court and fined GH¢6,000 each. The sentencing followed their guilty pleas to charges of conspiracy and assault arising from the disturbances.

The court, presided over by His Honour Isaac Addo, ruled on Friday, August 29, 2025, that each convict pay a fine of 500 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢6,000, or, in default, serve 24 months in prison. The judgment, the court stressed, was to serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt to disrupt electoral processes through violence.

The convicts — Mohammed Abubakari, Tijani Mahmudu, Prince Dzakpasu, Anas Mohammed, Mohammed Hamda, Darko Otibu Samuel, Musah Muntari, and Ali Saeed (alias Bomba) — all pleaded guilty when arraigned. They faced charges of conspiracy to commit assault and three counts of assault, contrary to Sections 23(1) and 84 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

Prosecutors told the court that the Ablekuma North by-election violence occurred at the Methodist Church Polling Station. The victims included 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 New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The prosecution recounted that while the victims were monitoring proceedings, the eight accused persons launched an unprovoked attack. Mrs. Koomson and Mr. Saana were assaulted first before the group turned on Mr. Kwei, disrupting the election exercise and leaving the victims injured.

The case began on Monday, August 26, 2025, and was fast-tracked after all eight accused admitted their involvement in the violent acts. Their guilty pleas allowed for an expedited trial, which concluded with conviction and sentencing just four days later.

With this ruling, the court has sent a strong signal that electoral violence will not be tolerated and that offenders will face swift justice.