Eight men who admitted to taking part in violent disturbances during the Ablekuma North election re-run have been convicted and sentenced by the Accra Circuit Court.
Each person was ordered to pay a fine of GH¢6,000 or serve two years in prison if they fail to do so.
The convicts are Mohammed Abubakari, Tijani Mahmudu, Prince Dzakpasu, Anas Mohammed, Mohammed Hamda, Darko Otibu Samuel, Musah Muntari, and Ali Saeed, also known as Bomba. They appeared before Judge Isaac Addo on Friday, August 29, and pleaded guilty to all charges.
According to prosecutors, the violence broke out at the Methodist Church Polling Station during the re-run. The victims included Hawa Koomson, a former Minister of State and former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East; Majeed Mohammed Saana, a trader; and Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei, a Deputy Organiser of the New Patriotic Party.
The court heard that the eight men launched an unprovoked attack on the victims as they monitored the voting process. Mrs. Koomson and Mr. Saana were assaulted first, before the group turned on Mr. Kwei.
The men were charged with conspiracy to commit assault and three counts of assault, in violation of Sections 23(1) and 84 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The case, which opened on Monday, August 26, moved quickly after all eight admitted their involvement. The trial ended with their conviction and sentencing on Friday.
