Nyankpala electoral violence;7 persons granted bail

Seven individuals accused of using violence and intimidation to disrupt voting during Ghana’s December elections in Nyankpala, Northern Region, have been released on bail.

The suspects, identified as Alhassan Abukari, Alhaji Bashiru Mohammed, Yakubu Sumaila, Alhaji Alhassan Nasiru Nasam, Majeed Issah, and Kamara Fode Issaiaga, were granted bail set at GH₵50,000 each, with two sureties apiece. As part of the bail conditions, they are required to report to the Criminal Investigation Department in Accra and the Regional Command in Tamale.

An accomplice, Latif Abdulai, also known as "Copshie," remains at large. The six who appeared in court are facing charges related to their alleged involvement in a vigilante group, conspiracy, undue influence, and plans to cause harm. Abdulai, the fugitive, faces additional charges for allegedly injuring two individuals, Abdul Aziz Mohammed and Issahaku Sayibu, by shooting them with a pistol.

The case, presided over by Justice Mary E. Nyanzuh, was initially set for plea-taking, with plans to remand the accused until January 8, 2025. However, on December 31, 2024, the accused appeared in a different High Court seeking bail pending trial, supported by a motion filed by their defense team.

Defense lawyer John Dzaha argued that the accused were suffering deteriorating health while in custody. He further noted that they had permanent residences and steady occupations, making them unlikely flight risks. The defense also petitioned the Chief Justice regarding their request for bail.

The prosecution stated that on December 7, 2024, during the general elections, a group of armed men, allegedly supporters of the New Patriotic Party, stormed the Nyankpala area and began firing indiscriminately. Tamale Police responded to the incident and found one victim, Sayibu Haruna, gravely injured and lying in a pool of blood. Two others, Abdul Aziz Mohammed and Issahaku Sayibu, were also hurt. Haruna was pronounced dead on arrival at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

According to investigators, Alhassan Abukari, a driver for the Tolon District Chief Executive, Fuseini Salifu, was arrested on the same day. A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered a Taurus pistol with two magazines, one containing a misfired 9mm round and the other holding eight live rounds. Five other suspects were apprehended at the scene inside an unregistered Range Rover.

The prosecution alleged that the accused, armed with weapons including a G3 rifle, an AK-47 assault rifle, and pistols, carried out the attack to intimidate voters and prevent them from casting their ballots. Shots were also fired at a National Democratic Congress pavilion, leading to injuries and fatalities.

To prevent further unrest, the Ghana Police Service detained the suspects, citing heightened tensions and concerns for their safety within the community.