This case revolves around a violent incident that took place during Ghana’s December 2024 general elections in Nyankpala, Northern Region. Seven individuals allegedly used force and firearms to intimidate and prevent voters from exercising their right to vote. The accused, identified as Alhassan Abukari, Alhaji Bashiru Mohammed, Yakubu Sumaila, Alhaji Alhassan Nasiru Nasam, Majeed Issah, and Kamara Fode Issaiaga, were subsequently arrested and charged with various offenses, including participating in vigilante group activities, conspiracy, undue influence, and conspiracy to cause harm. An accomplice, Latif Abdulai, also known as Copshie, remains at large and faces additional charges of causing harm by shooting two individuals.
The incident unfolded on election day when a group of armed men, allegedly sympathizers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), arrived in Nyankpala and began firing indiscriminately into the crowd. The ensuing chaos and violence resulted in injuries to several people and the death of Sayibu Haruna. Police responding to the scene found Haruna lying in a pool of blood and rushed him and two other victims, Abdul Aziz Mohammed and Issahaku Sayibu, to the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Sadly, Haruna was pronounced dead on arrival.
The police swiftly initiated investigations and apprehended Alhassan Abukari, the driver of the Tolon District Chief Executive, Fuseini Salifu. Five other accused individuals were arrested at the scene while inside an unregistered Range Rover vehicle. A search of Abukari’s vehicle uncovered a Taurus pistol with loaded magazines containing live ammunition and a misfired round. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting that the accused had conspired and armed themselves with various firearms, including G3 rifles, AK47 assault rifles, and pistols, with the intention of intimidating voters and disrupting the electoral process.
The case took a significant turn when the accused were granted bail in the sum of GHC50,000 each, with two sureties required. The court also mandated that they report regularly to police investigators in both Accra and Tamale. The decision to grant bail followed a motion filed by the defense, citing the deteriorating health of the accused while in custody and asserting that they had fixed places of abode and established occupations. The defense argued that their continued detention was unnecessary given these circumstances.
Prior to the bail decision, the court had initially scheduled an arraignment and plea hearing followed by remand until January 8, 2025. However, the defense’s bail application and a subsequent petition to the Chief Justice prompted the court to reconsider its initial course of action. The prosecution, while acknowledging that investigations were ongoing, did not strenuously object to the bail application, potentially influenced by the need to prevent further unrest in the community. They had previously stated that the initial arrests were, in part, a protective measure to prevent the accused from being attacked by angry residents.
The incident in Nyankpala underscores the challenges faced in ensuring peaceful and democratic elections. The alleged use of violence and intimidation to influence the outcome of the vote raises serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The ongoing investigation will be crucial in determining the full extent of the accused’s involvement and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The court’s decision to grant bail while investigations continue raises questions about balancing the rights of the accused with the need to protect the public and ensure a fair judicial process. The case will undoubtedly be closely followed as it progresses through the legal system.
