Vice President of Imani Africa, Kofi Bentil, has criticised the GH¢6,000 fine imposed on each of eight individuals convicted for violent acts during the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun.

Speaking on TV3’s Key Points programme on Saturday, August 30, 2025, the policy analyst and private legal practitioner argued that the fine lacks the severity needed to curb political violence.

“We need to treat political violence differently. It shouldn’t be a misdemeanor but aggravated assault. The fines imposed on the convicted eight are not deterrent enough,” he stated.

Despite defense lawyers praising the ruling and claiming their clients acted in self-defense, Bentil insisted that the fines, totaling GH¢48,000 for all eight, fall short of discouraging future political violence.

He called for stricter penalties to safeguard Ghana’s electoral process.

Ablekuma North Election: Court convicts 8 for 'beating' Hawa Koomson, others

The Accra Circuit Court, under Judge Isaac Addo, sentenced the eight convicts, Mohammed Abubakari (32), Tijani Mahamudu (38), Prince Dzakpasu (39), Anas Mohammed (42), Mohammed Hamda (35), Darko Otibu Samuel (33), Musah Muntari (46), and Ali Saeed, alias Bomba (43), to 500 penalty units (GH¢6,000) each or 24 months in prison for their roles in the chaos.

The group pleaded guilty to four counts of assault, with the court noting their remorse and swift admission as factors in the sentencing.

The incident occurred on July 11, 2025, at the Methodist Church Polling Station during the Ablekuma North rerun. Victims, including former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson, Majeed Mohammed Sanaa, and Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei, all New Patriotic Party (NPP) members, were attacked while visiting polling stations.

Ablekuma North Violence: Hawa Koomson's attackers fined GH¢6,000 each

Security personnel intervened to protect Koomson and Nii Kwei, though Sanaa was also assaulted. The victims sought medical treatment and reported the incident to the Odorkor Police Station and the Greater Accra Regional Criminal Investigations Department.

The presiding judge urged the convicts to champion the fight against electoral violence, warning that such acts could destabilize the nation.

GA/MA

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