Accra: An Accra High Court has adjourned to May 21, the case of BenLord Ababio and another, held over the death of Lance Corporal Michael Danso at Kasoa on April 30, 2024. On May 21, 2025, the Court is expected to conclude the Case Management Conference and pre-trial conference.
According to Ghana News Agency, during today's sitting, defence counsels for BenLord, a security operative, and his accomplice, Nana Kofi Amo Gyekye, a businessman, addressed the Court and the seven-member jury. In her opening address, Madam Dufie Prempeh, Principal State Attorney, stated that the prosecution would call seven witnesses to make their case. The prosecution aims to prove charges of conspiracy and murder against the accused individuals, asserting that they are responsible for the death of Lance Corporal Michael Danso.
The prosecution plans to present exhibits in support of their case. Quoting Leviticus 24:17, the prosecution emphasized the biblical principle, "whoever takes the life of any human being shall be put to death," expressing an expectation for the jury to deliver justice for the deceased.
Mr. Olver Barker-Vormawor, counsel for BenLord, acknowledged the tragic nature of the case and urged the jury to consider whether the murder was premeditated and if there was a conspiracy involved. He argued against the notion of "an eye for an eye" justice, suggesting that justice should not be equated to revenge.
Mr. Frank Kumakoh, counsel for the second accused, Gyekye, expressed sympathy for the deceased's family and cautioned the jury against being swayed by the prosecution's statements. He suggested that the trial would reveal the circumstances leading to the incident, allowing the jury to determine whether the events could have happened to anyone.
The prosecution's case detailed that the deceased, Lance Corporal Michael Danso, was a military officer stationed at Army Base Workshop, Burma Camp. BenLord, also known as Nana Barima, resided at Liberia Camp, while Gyekye resided at Walantu, Kasoa. The prosecution alleged that BenLord led Gyekye and others in operating as land guards in the area.
The case involved a land dispute where Patrick Winibood Nedgo, the first prosecution witness, claimed ownership of a piece of land acquired in 2013. He sold a portion to Lance Corporal Omar Abdul Rahman in January 2024. On March 11, 2024, Mr. Nedgo reported encroachment on the land to the police, leading to a directive for all parties to cease work pending a land search.
Despite the police directive, the accused persons continued work on the land on April 29, 2024, prompting police intervention. On April 30, 2024, Lance Corporal Rahman, the deceased, and colleagues visited the site for inspection. A confrontation ensued when the accused mobilized additional land guards. At the police station, a dispute led to BenLord firing at Lance Corporal Danso's vehicle, resulting in his death.
The court proceedings continue as all parties await the conclusion of the pre-trial conference.
