Seven Granted Bail in Connection with Nyankpala Electoral Violence

Seven individuals accused of using force and violence to prevent citizens from voting during Ghana’s December elections in Nyankpala, Northern Region, have been granted bail.

The court approved the bail for the accused—Alhassan Abukari, Alhaji Bashiru Mohammed, Yakubu Sumaila, Alhaji Alhassan Nasiru Nasam, Majeed Issah, and Kamara Fode Issaiaga—setting the bail at GH₵50,000 with two sureties.

The court has also instructed the accused to report to the Police Investigators at the Criminal Investigation Department in Accra and the Regional Command in Tamale.

One of the accused, Latif Abdulai (also known as “Copshie”), remains at large and faces additional charges related to shooting two individuals, Abdul Aziz Mohammed and Issahaku Sayibu, during the incident.

The six accused individuals present in court face multiple charges, including participation in a vigilante group, conspiracy, undue influence, and conspiracy to cause harm. Abdulai’s charge includes the alleged harm caused by shooting the victims with a pistol.

The incident occurred on December 7, 2024, during the general elections when a group of armed individuals, believed to be affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), reportedly opened fire indiscriminately near Nyankpala.

The attack resulted in multiple casualties, with one victim, Sayibu Haruna, dying from gunshot wounds, and two others injured.

The wounded victims were rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where one was pronounced dead on arrival.

On the day of the incident, the Tamale Police arrested Abukari, a driver for the Tolon District Chief Executive, Fuseini Salifu, and five others who were found aboard an unregistered vehicle at the scene. A search of Abukari’s vehicle uncovered a Taurus pistol, along with misfired and live ammunition.

The prosecution’s case suggests the accused planned the attack with various firearms, including a G3 rifle, AK-47, and pistols, aiming to intimidate voters and disrupt the election process.

Due to concerns over public safety, the Ghana Police Service detained the accused to prevent potential violence from local residents. Investigations into the incident are still ongoing.