Asabke sentenced to death for murder of New Patriotic Party Regional Chairman
Asabke Alandgi has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of Adams Mahama, an Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party. Alandgi was found guilty on the charge of conspiracy to murder, and the jury returned a 4-3 decision on the charge of murder.
The court ordered that the President of the Republic shall direct where Alandgi’s body would be laid after he had been hanged. In the case of Gregory Afoko, the court ordered his re-trial as the jury returned a 4-3 decision both on the charge of murder and conspiracy to murder. Under the law, in cases where the decision of the jury is hung, the court may order a re-trial and the accused could be granted bail or remanded by the court. The court remanded Afoko into lawful custody.
The incident occurred on May 25, 2015, when Adams Mahama was attacked with a substance believed to be acid in front of his house in Bolgatanga. He later died from his injuries at the Bolgatanga General Hospital. Mahama was reportedly murdered over political rivalry as he was perceived to be working against the interest of Afoko’s brother, who was then the national chairman of the NPP.
The acid found on the suit of Afoko was traced to the crime, and the Mahama saw the two accused persons and informed the persons who became witnesses in the case. Testimonies also showed the accused persons were together on the night of the incident, and some witnesses saw the two leave the drinking spot where they had drinks on that same night.
The prosecution led by Mrs Mariam Appiah Opare, Chief State Attorney, told the court the offence of conspiracy to murder carried the same punishment as the main offence. The Court’s hands were tied as there was no lesser punishment in respect of the charges preferred against the convict. According to the Chief State Attorney, Alandgi did not commit any offense, but the Court said he was guilty of conspiracy to murder. Lawyers prayed the Court to have mercy on Alandgi by tempering justice with mercy.
For the most part, the decision of the court has been met with mixed reactions from Ghanaians. While some people have applauded the court’s decision, others have criticized it. The law in Ghana still recognizes the death penalty as a form of punishment, and this has raised debates on whether it should be abolished. However, until the law is amended, the court will continue to exercise its mandate by applying the law as it is.