Mohammed Ibrahim, a Branch Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Sowutuom, has been sentenced to four years in prison for threatening to kill citizens during the upcoming December 7, 2024, general elections.
The Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Evelyn Asamoah, found Ibrahim guilty on multiple charges: publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm, threat of harm, and offensive conduct conducive to a breach of the peace.
Although Ibrahim pleaded not guilty, the court sentenced him to three years for the publication of false news, four years for the threat of harm, and three years for offensive conduct. However, the sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve a total of four years.
The prosecution presented three witnesses, while Ibrahim also called three witnesses in his defense. His lawyer, Francis Xavier Sosu, requested an expedited trial after the court denied bail and remanded Ibrahim in custody.
According to the prosecution, Ibrahim identified himself as the leader of a revolutionary group named “Ka na wu,” meaning “speak and die” in Twi.
On September 3, 2024, a video of Ibrahim went viral on social media platforms Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, in which he wore a red military beret and made inflammatory statements. He accused the Ghana Police Service in the Ashanti Region, under the directives of Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare and Minister of the Interior Henry Quartey, of recruiting fake police officers to kill citizens during the elections.
Ibrahim further threatened that he and his group knew the Minister’s residence and would target him in the event of political unrest, warning of potential violence during the elections.
Following the video’s circulation, the Ghana Police Service declared him wanted on September 10, 2024. He was subsequently arrested, and a search of his Sowutuom residence led to the discovery of the red beret featured in the video.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which threats of violence are treated as Ghana prepares for its general elections, aiming to maintain peace and security throughout the process.
