The Accra Circuit Court has convicted and sentenced eight men who took part in violent disturbances during the Ablekuma North by-election, marking one of the swiftest prosecutions of political violence in recent memory.

On Friday, August 29, 2025, the court presided over by His Honour Isaac Addo ordered each convict to pay a fine of 500 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢6,000, or in default, serve 24 months in prison.

The men—identified as Mohammed Abubakari, Tijani Mahmudu, Prince Dzakpasu, Anas Mohammed, Mohammed Hamda, Darko Otibu Samuel, Musah Muntari, and Ali Saeed (alias Bomba)—pleaded guilty to all charges brought against them.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred at the Methodist Church Polling Station, where tensions had been relatively calm until the convicts launched an unprovoked attack on individuals monitoring the voting process.

The victims included Hawa Mavis Koomson, former Minister of State and former MP for Awutu Senya East; Majeed Mohammed Saana, a trader; and Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei, Deputy Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Eyewitness accounts and video recordings presented to the court showed the group first assaulting Mrs. Koomson and Mr. Saana before turning their aggression on Mr. Kwei. The footage quickly spread online, sparking outrage among Ghanaians who decried the return of violent disruptions in the country’s electoral process.

The eight men were charged with conspiracy to commit assault and three counts of assault, contrary to Sections 23(1) and 84 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Court records show that the trial, which commenced on Monday, August 26, was expedited after the accused admitted their involvement in the incident.

Their guilty pleas removed the need for a lengthy trial, leading to their quick conviction and sentencing within the same week.

Calls for Stiffer Punishment

The sentencing has, however, ignited a broader public debate on the adequacy of Ghana’s legal response to politically motivated violence. Many legal and civic voices argue that fines, even when accompanied by the option of imprisonment, may not send a sufficiently strong message to deter future offenders.

One of the prominent critics of the outcome is legal practitioner and journalist Richard Dela Sky. In a statement, he welcomed the convictions but called for an appeal to ensure that the punishment meets the gravity of the crime.

“The Office of the Attorney-General, if truly minded to send the firmest possible message that the State abhors political violence in all its forms, must appeal the sentence of the marauding eight Ablekuma thugs”.
Richard Dela Sky

For Mr. Sky, the issue is not only about securing convictions but about ensuring deterrence in a political culture where perpetrators of violence are often shielded by partisan interests.

“It is one thing to go through the perfunctory motions of prosecution; it is quite another to press for the maximum sanction permitted within the sentencing band, so as to serve as a genuine deterrent. The justice of this case demands nothing less”.
Richard Dela Sky

He further cautioned that because the men appeared to have acted on behalf of a political interest, there is a risk that they could be rewarded or compensated by those interests, which would neutralize the effect of the sentence.

“Since these thugs appeared to have acted in the name of a political interest, it becomes all too easy for those interests to rally and reward them handsomely enough to pay off this aberration of a token sentence. But if, for example, a jail term is imposed, they face it alone—and they will feel the true pinch of their irresponsibility and thuggery”.
Richard Dela Sky

Calls for Accountability for Past Incidents

Beyond this single case, Mr. Sky also stressed the need for accountability in other instances of political violence that have scarred Ghana’s democratic journey in recent past elections.

His call echoes a wider sentiment among governance watchers who argue that Ghana’s commitment to free, fair, and peaceful elections will remain hollow unless political violence is punished decisively.

The recurring presence of “macho men” and vigilante elements during elections, despite laws prohibiting such activity, has raised concerns about the state’s willingness to enforce its own statutes without fear or favor.

For now, the Ablekuma North case stands as a test of the judiciary’s readiness to handle political violence swiftly. While some see the convictions as progress, others believe the fines imposed are inadequate when weighed against the brutality of the attack and its potential consequences for electoral credibility.