A Kumasi High Court has remanded 14 suspects into prison custody in connection with violent disturbances in the Damongo Constituency of the Savannah Region during the 2024 general election.
The unrest, which erupted on December 8, resulted in the destruction of the Electoral Commission’s (EC) office in the area. This comes after an angry mob stormed the Damongo Municipal Collation Center, setting the EC office ablaze after delays in declaring the election results. The fire caused extensive damage to the building and its contents, further escalating tensions.
Due to heightened insecurity in Damongo, the case was transferred to the High Court in Kumasi. The accused are facing nine charges, including unlawful damage, assault, causing harm, and obstructing electoral officers in the performance of their duties.
During today’s court session, the State Attorney requested a deferment of the accused individuals’ plea, citing ongoing investigations. The Attorney-General argued that additional time was required to conclude inquiries before proceeding with prosecution.
In response, the defence counsel appealed for the release of the accused persons, stressing that two of them are minors. The court subsequently granted conditional release for the 17-year-olds, placing them in the care of Alhaji Imoro Seidu, who was required to deposit his Ghana Card with the Court Registrar as a guarantee.
The court deferred the pleas of the remaining 14 accused, remanding them into prison custody until the next hearing, scheduled for December 19. On the adjourned date, the court will take pleas from all accused individuals and determine the subsequent course of action.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
