Eight men have admitted to attacking former Awutu Senya East MP Hawa Koomson and two others during the July 11 parliamentary re-run at the Methodist Church Polling Station in Ablekuma North.
The Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Isaac Addo, convicted them on their own pleas of conspiracy and assault on Tuesday. Sentencing has been postponed until Friday, but in the interim, each of the accused has been granted bail of GH¢80,000 with one surety.
Those convicted are: Jijani Mahmudu, a driver from Mamobi; Prince Dzakpasu, a businessman from Newtown; Anas Mohammed, an estate developer from Lapaz; Mohammed Hamda, a mechanic from Alajo; Darko Otibu Samuel, a businessman from Amasaman; Musah Muntari, a station manager from Mallam Atta; Ali Saeed, a businessman from Fadama; and Al Mohammed Abubakar, a private security man from Alajo.
The charges stem from a violent confrontation at the polling centre. According to Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, the complainants, all members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), were monitoring the election re-run when the incident occurred.
He told the court that while touring polling stations, Koomson and trader Majeed Mohammed Sanaa were attacked by the accused. Security officers intervened to free them, but the group then turned on NPP Deputy Organiser Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei, assaulting him without provocation.
The victims later lodged complaints at the Odorkor Police Station and with the Regional CID. “Police medical forms were issued to them, after which they proceeded to the hospital for treatment,” the prosecutor reportedly said.
The eight were arrested soon after. In their caution statements, they denied the allegations. “After investigations, they were charged with the offences and arraigned before this honourable court,” Chief Inspector Lawer added.
