Accra: An Accra High Court has postponed the trial of Ben Lord Ababio, a self-proclaimed traditional ruler, and Nana Kofi Amo Gyekye, both charged in a murder case, to December 18, 2024. Justice Mrs. Kizita Naa Koowah Quarshie presided over the hearing, expressing concern over the insufficient number of jurors available to proceed with the trial. The court has instructed the Registrar to reassemble the jurors to ensure proper empanelment for the trial.
According to Ghana News Agency, the court session on Tuesday saw only nine potential jurors present, which was deemed inadequate for the accused to exercise their right to select jurors of their choice. The accused individuals, Ben Lord Ababio, also known as Nana Barima, and Nana Kofi Amo Gyekye, referred to as Nana Fiifi, are alleged to have been involved in a land dispute that resulted in the death of Lance Corporal Michael Danso of the Ghana Armed Forces. Two accomplices linked to the accused, identified as Oteng and Salisu, are reportedly at large.
Ababio
faces charges of conspiracy and murder, while Gyekye has been charged with conspiracy. Ababio remains in lawful custody, whereas Gyekye has been granted bail set at GHC One million with two sureties, which must be justified, and he is required to deposit his passport at the court’s registry.
The incident in question occurred on April 30, 2024, when Lance Corporal Michael Danso, along with colleagues Lance Corporals Abdul Omar Rahman and Ametus Mattew, went to the Millenium City Police Station to report a trespass on land owned by Lance Corporal Rahman. Ababio allegedly appeared at the police station and fatally shot Lance Corporal Danso, who was in a Toyota RAV 4 vehicle. Ababio was subsequently disarmed and arrested by the police, leading to further investigations and the arrest of Gyekye.
