Nana Barima Ababio, also known as BenLord Ababio, a self-declared traditional ruler, and his associate Nana Kofi Amo Kwakye found themselves in an Accra High Court facing serious legal repercussions following a land dispute that allegedly culminated in the tragic death of Lance Corporal Michael Danso. The charges against them include conspiracy, with BenLord facing an additional murder charge, reflecting the grave nature of the allegations. Both defendants entered pleas of not guilty under the watch of Justice Mrs. Lydia Osei-Marfo, a judge with dual roles as a Court of Appeal and High Court judge. This initial plea set the stage for what is anticipated to be a contentious legal battle.
The court’s decision to deny BenLord bail was influenced by multiple factors including the severity of the charges, substantial evidence on record, and the imperative to prioritize both community safety and the personal safety of the accused during the legal proceedings. In contrast to BenLord’s circumstances, Kwakye was granted bail but not without specific and stringent conditions. Previously, Kwakye secured a bail decision at the Amasaman High Court earlier in July 2024; however, his subsequent appearance at the Accra High Court involved requiring a bail amount of GHC One Million along with detailed requests for documentation, demonstrating a strict approach to his release by the court.
In granting bail to Kwakye, the court mandated him to provide two sureties capable of offering landed property documents verified by the Land Commission and the court registrar. Kwakye was also instructed to surrender his passport to the court registry and supply his sureties’ Ghana Cards for identification purposes. Additionally, the court placed a weekly reporting obligation on Kwakye to the Criminal Investigation Department’s Operations Director, emphasizing a careful monitoring process. This approach highlights the court’s effort to minimize any risk of flight while ensuring the accused remains accessible for trial.
As the proceedings dropped anchor, the prosecution was directed to file final disclosures ahead of the next court session, a crucial step in preparing for the case. The case has been scheduled for an adjournment to October 30, 2024, offering both the defense and prosecution time to solidify their positions. Notably, the charges against the accused were formally established during an earlier hearing on August 29, when a District Court committed the case to the High Court, prepping it for trial. As procedural obligations were being met, lawyers for the accused confirmed receiving the Bill of Indictment, marking a critical move toward the trial’s initiation.
The pivotal moment leading to this courtroom drama occurred on April 30, 2024, when Lance Corporal Danso, alongside his colleagues, went to Millenium City Police Station in a Toyota RAV4 to report an incursion onto private property owned by one of his team members. In a shocking turn of events, BenLord confronted them at the police station and allegedly opened fire on Lance Corporal Danso, resulting in his immediate death. The swift action of the police led to BenLord’s disarming and subsequent arrest, serving as a catalyst for the investigation that eventually brought both BenLord and Kwakye into the legal spotlight.
As the case unfolds, it delves not just into the tragic death of a police officer but also reflects deeper societal issues related to land disputes and the role of traditional authorities. The implications of this case stretch beyond the immediate legal ramifications for the defendants; they resonate within the broader framework of community safety, traditional authority, and police relations in Ghana. All eyes will be on the court proceedings as they progress towards the next hearing, where the tension surrounding this high-profile case will undoubtedly continue to build. In the quest for justice, the future of both accused individuals and the integrity of community governance hangs in the balance as the court navigates through complex legal and social undertones.
