26 suspects put before courts over 2020 and 2024 general elections chaos — Interior Minister

The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has disclosed that 26 suspects have so far been put before the courts in connection with election-related violence recorded during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.

He said one of the suspects had since been discharged, while the remaining 25 were currently standing trial.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, Mr Muntaka said the Police were also pursuing 13 other suspects identified in connection with the various cases but who remained at large.

He assured the public that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the outstanding suspects and support the prosecution of those already before the courts.

The Minister said the investigations followed President John Dramani Mahama’s directive for a comprehensive probe into election-related violence recorded during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.

He said the Police were intensifying efforts to apprehend suspects in some high-profile cases, including Alhaji Abdul-Latif Copshe, a prime suspect in the Nyankpala shooting incident in the Tolon Constituency, where Sayibu Haruna was killed and others injured on December 7, 2024.

Other suspects being pursued include Ernest Akomea, alias Double, in connection with the La-Bawaleshie case in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, and Moctar, who is wanted over the death of Kofi Robert, alias Kofi Labert, during clashes at the Electoral Commission office at Nkrankwanta in the Dormaa West Constituency in 2020.

Mr Muntaka also cited the Banda Constituency case, where Gabriel Yaw Agyei, alias Abodie, identified as the prime suspect in the killing of Silas Wulochamey, had been arraigned before the Adabraka District Court on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder.

At Offinso North, he said all six suspects arrested in connection with the alleged lynching of Jacob Nlor had also been put before the court.

The Minister said investigations into other cases were ongoing, including the Damongo and Awutu Senya East incidents, with forensic and ballistic examinations being used to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify those responsible.

He said the cases demonstrated the Government’s resolve to ensure that political affiliation did not shield anyone from accountability.

Mr Muntaka reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring that persons found culpable were prosecuted and dealt with in accordance with the law.

He appealed to members of the public with information on the 13 suspects being pursued to assist the Police.