Senior Policy Analyst at the Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI), Desmond Israel, is calling for the establishment of a dedicated legal regime to address electoral violence in Ghana.
Speaking on Bullet TV, Mr. Israel argued that while such a framework may risk creating a duality within the country’s criminal justice system, it could offer more targeted and efficient responses to the unique nature of election-related disturbances.
“We can have a regime where the judiciary, in collaboration with the legislature and executive, comes up with a hearing strategy. The judiciary does issue practice directions and administrative fiats under the Chief Justice to make sure we get efficient delivery of justice,” he explained.
Commending the swift handling of a recent case involving electoral violence at Ablekuma North, Lawyer Israel described it as a positive step toward judicial responsiveness.
“The swiftness in the case itself is a good thing. What we should be advocating for, maybe from a policy perspective, is the consistency of the court in hearing these matters very quick and bring justice quick,” he said.
His comments come in the wake of the conviction and sentencing of eight men involved in violent disturbances during the Ablekuma North by-election. The Accra Circuit Court, presided over by His Honour Isaac Addo, handed down fines of 500 penalty units (GH¢6,000) to each convict, or in default, 24 months’ imprisonment.
The convicted individuals—Mohammed Abubakari, Tijani Mahmudu, Prince Dzakpasu, Anas Mohammed, Mohammed Hamda, Darko Otibu Samuel, Musah Muntari, and Ali Saeed (alias Bomba)—pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit assault and three counts of assault, contrary to Sections 23(1) and 84 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
Prosecutors told the court that the incident occurred at the Methodist Church Polling Station during the by-election. The victims included Hawa Mavis Koomson, former Minister of State and ex-MP for Awutu Senya East; Majeed Mohammed Saana, a trader; and Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei, Deputy Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
While monitoring proceedings, the victims were allegedly subjected to an unprovoked attack by the accused persons. Viral videos of the assault sparked public outrage and prompted swift legal action. The case, which began on Monday, August 26, was fast-tracked after all eight men admitted their roles in the violence.
