The Accra Circuit Court delivered a swift verdict in a case involving eight men accused of orchestrating violence during the Ablekuma North by-election. Presided over by His Honour Isaac Addo, the court found all eight men guilty of the charges brought against them, stemming from a violent incident at a polling station during the election. The individuals, identified as Mohammed Abubakari, Tijani Mahmudu, Prince Dzakpasu, Anas Mohammed, Mohammed Hamda, Darko Otibu Samuel, Musah Muntari, and Ali Saeed (also known as Bomba), admitted their guilt to the charges of conspiracy to commit assault and three counts of assault. This admission expedited the legal process, leading to a prompt conviction and sentencing just days after the initial court proceedings began.
The incident that prompted the legal action took place at the Methodist Church Polling Station during the Ablekuma North by-election. The violence targeted individuals who were present at the polling station to monitor the electoral process. Among the victims were Hawa Mavis Koomson, a former Minister of State and ex-Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East; Majeed Mohammed Saana, a trader; and Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei, the Deputy Organiser for the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The eight convicted men were accused of initiating an unprovoked attack, initially targeting Mrs. Koomson and Mr. Saana before turning their aggression towards Mr. Kwei.
The prosecution presented evidence detailing the sequence of events, outlining how the eight men conspired to carry out the assault and subsequently inflicted physical harm upon the three victims. The charges against the men were framed under Sections 23(1) and 84 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which address conspiracy to commit a crime and the act of assault, respectively. The court, after considering the evidence and the guilty pleas of the accused, determined that the charges were substantiated and proceeded with the sentencing.
Each of the eight convicted men received a sentence that included a fine of 500 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢6,000. The court also stipulated a default sentence of 24 months imprisonment should any of the individuals fail to pay the imposed fine. This dual sentencing approach provides a financial penalty for the committed offenses while also ensuring a custodial sentence as a consequence for non-payment. The swift resolution of the case underscores the judicial system’s commitment to addressing electoral violence and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The incident itself highlights the potential for tensions and violence during electoral processes, particularly in closely contested elections. The presence of political figures like Mrs. Koomson and party officials like Mr. Kwei at the polling station suggests a heightened political atmosphere, which may have contributed to the escalation of the situation. The attack against Mr. Saana, a trader, also demonstrates the indiscriminate nature of the violence, impacting individuals beyond those directly involved in political activities.
The conviction and sentencing of these eight individuals serve as a deterrent against future acts of electoral violence. The court’s decisive action sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated and will be met with swift and appropriate legal consequences. This outcome reinforces the importance of maintaining peaceful and transparent electoral processes, free from intimidation and violence, to uphold the integrity of democratic institutions. The case also underscores the crucial role of law enforcement and the judiciary in ensuring accountability and promoting a safe and secure environment for all participants in the electoral process.
