Six individuals have been remanded into police custody by an Accra High Court in connection with a violent clash during the December 7 General Elections at Nyankpala in the Northern Region.
The incident resulted in the death of one person and left two others severely injured.
Presiding over the case, Justice Mary M.E. Yanzah ordered the remand of the accused to facilitate further investigations.
The suspects face multiple charges, including participating in vigilante activities, conspiracy to commit undue influence, and causing harm, under various provisions of Ghana’s laws, including the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999) and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
According to Assistant State Attorney Derrick Ackah Nyanike, on December 7, an armed group of men, believed to be sympathizers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), stormed Nyankpala and opened fire on a crowd, targeting a National Democratic Congress (NDC) pavilion. The indiscriminate shooting left Sayibu Haruna dead and injured two others, Abdul Aziz Mohammed and Issahaku Sayibu.
Police investigations revealed that the accused—Alhassan Abukari, Alhaji Bashiru Mohammed, Yakubu Suamila (alias Condem), Alhaji Alhassan Nasiru Nasam, Majeed Issah, and Kamara Fode Issiaga—allegedly conspired to disrupt the voting process. They were reportedly armed with a G3 rifle, AK-47 assault rifle, pistols, and ammunition.
The first suspect, Alhassan Abukari, a driver for the Tolon District Chief Executive, was arrested at the scene. The other five suspects were apprehended while traveling in an unregistered Range Rover vehicle. A search of the vehicle uncovered a Taurus pistol loaded with eight live 9mm rounds and one misfired cartridge.
In court, Justice Yanzah noted the gravity of the accusations and the need for thorough investigations. “The accused persons are to be remanded to allow for further inquiries. Counsel for the accused may file an application for bail, which this court will consider in due course,” she stated.
The defense, represented by John Dzeha and Bashiru Zakaria, reserved their right to file a bail application.
The case has been adjourned to January 8, 2025, when the accused are expected to formally enter their pleas. In the interim, they remain in police custody.
