The Accra Circuit Court has convicted eight men for their roles in violent attacks during the Ablekuma North parliamentary election re-run, imposing a total fine of GH¢48,000 on them. Each convict is required to pay GH¢6,000 or, in default, serve 24 months in prison.

The case, which drew public attention due to its political undertones, centered on the assault of former Member of Parliament and Minister of Special Development Initiatives, Hawa Koomson. Also attacked were New Patriotic Party (NPP) Deputy National Organiser, Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei, and a trader, Majeed Mohammed Saana.

Events on Election Day

According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, the incident occurred on June 11, 2025, at the Methodist Church Polling Station during the constituency’s election re-run. The complainants, who were monitoring the process, were set upon by the accused persons without provocation.

Mrs. Koomson and Mr. Saana were the first to be targeted. Security officers at the station intervened and managed to pull them to safety. However, before calm could be restored, the group turned on Mr. Kwei, who was also visiting the polling centre. He too sustained injuries before being rescued.

The victims reported the attacks at the Odorkor Police Station, where they were issued medical forms and later treated in hospital.

Those Convicted

The convicts are drawn from different communities across Accra. They include:

• Jijani Mahmudu, a driver from Mamobi
• Prince Dzakpasu, a businessman from Newtown
• Anas Mohammed, an estate developer from Lapaz
• Mohammed Hamda, a mechanic from Alajo
• Darko Otibu Samuel, a businessman from Amasaman
• Musah Muntari, a station manager from Mallam Atta
• Ali Saeed, a businessman from Fadama
• Al Mohammed Abubakar, a private security guard from Alajo

Court Proceedings

Presiding Judge Isaac Addo accepted the guilty pleas of all eight men on charges of conspiracy to assault and three counts of assault. In delivering judgment, he stressed that politically motivated violence has no place in Ghana’s democratic process and warned that the courts will deal firmly with similar offences in future.

Chief Inspector Lawer told the court that although the accused persons denied wrongdoing in their caution statements during investigations, the evidence and their own admissions in court confirmed their culpability.

Wider Implications

The sentencing brings closure to one of the most widely discussed incidents in the recent election re-runs, which were ordered after disputes over the constituency’s earlier results. Political observers have noted that the case serves as a reminder of the need for tolerance and discipline during elections.