In a firm demonstration against electoral violence, the Accra Circuit Court has fined eight individuals GH₵6,000 each or imposed a two-year jail term in default, for assaulting political players during the recent Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun. The ruling also came with a strong admonishment to uphold peaceful conduct in future polls.
Assaults at Polling Station: The Facts
The court heard that on July 11, 2025, during the rerun at the Methodist Church Polling Station, Mavis Hawa Koomson, a former Minister and NPP MP, along with Majeed Mohammed Saana, a trader, and Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei, the NPP Deputy Organiser, were assaulted by a group of eight men. The attack occurred while they were independently monitoring electoral proceedings, prompting security intervention and subsequent arrests.
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Convictions and Court Ruling
The accused—Mohammed Abubakari, Tijani Mahamudu, Prince Dzakpasu, Anas Mohammed, Mohammed Hamda, Darko Otibu Samuel, Musah Muntari, and Ali Saeed (alias ‘Bomba’)—pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assault and three counts of assault. Presiding Judge Isaac Addo noted their remorse and the expeditious nature of the proceedings. Each was fined 500 penalty units (GH₵6,000) per count. If unpaid, they will serve a 24-month prison sentence.
Lesson from the Bench: Electoral Violence Harms Democracy
Judge Addo emphasized the gravity of electoral violence, warning that such actions could undermine national stability. He called on the convicts—many of them young people—to become advocates against electoral violence moving forward.
Voices of Dissent: Is GH₵6,000 Enough?
Some opinion leaders argue that the fines carry little weight in deterring future electoral misconduct. Kofi Bentil, Vice President of Imani Africa, criticized the court for treating political violence as a minor offense:
“We need to treat political violence differently. It shouldn’t be a misdemeanour but aggravated assault. The fines imposed on the convicted eight are not deterrent enough.”
Bentil’s comments reflect growing public concern that the current penalties may fail to discourage similar acts in future elections.
Implications for Ghana’s Electoral Integrity
- Deterrence vs. Leniency: While the verdict sends a message that violence has consequences, lenient penalties may embolden repeat offenses.
- Youth Sensitivity: With some convicted individuals being young adults, there’s a potential loss of civic engagement due to criminal records.
- Need for Reform: The sentencing highlights the demand for specialized electoral violence legislation with stricter penalties.
