Court Fines Eight in Ablekuma North Rerun Assault Case, Warns Against Electoral Violence

The Accra Circuit Court has fined eight men for assault during the recent Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, cautioning the youth to desist from electoral violence.

Presiding Judge Isaac Addo on Friday sentenced each of the convicts to 500 penalty units (₵6,000) for four counts of assault, or in default, a 24-month prison term. The convicted men — Mohammed Abubakari, 32; Tijani Mahamudu, 38; Prince Dzakpasu, 39; Anas Mohammed, 42; Mohammed Hamda, 35; Darko Otibu Samuel, 33; Musah Muntari, 46; and Ali Saeed, alias Bomba, 43 — all pleaded guilty.

In his ruling, Judge Addo stressed that while the offenders showed remorse and spared the court time, electoral violence posed a serious threat to national stability.

“The effect of electoral violence can collapse or destroy a country. I therefore urge the youth, especially the convicts, to become advocates against it,” he admonished.

Lawyers for the accused, however, described the ruling as fair, claiming their clients acted in self-defense.

Background

The case stems from violent incidents on July 11, 2025, when NPP members Mavis Hawa Koomson, Majeed Mohammed Sanaa, and Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei toured polling stations during the Ablekuma North rerun. At the Methodist Church Polling Station, the convicts assaulted Mrs. Koomson and Mr. Nii Kwei before also attacking Mr. Sanaa. Security personnel intervened, and the victims later received medical treatment after filing reports with the Odorkor Police and the Greater Accra Regional CID.

The convicts initially denied the allegations in their caution statements but later changed their pleas to guilty, leading to Friday’s sentencing.