The Ho Magistrate Court 1 has remanded all 77 persons arrested in connection with the November 5 disturbances at the Ehi Police Station. The suspects, who appeared before the court on Friday, have been charged with causing unlawful damage, causing harm, and rioting with weapons.
During the proceedings on Friday, November 14, counsel for the first 39 accused persons, Joan Akorfa Osei Esq., argued that her clients remain presumed innocent until proven guilty or until they admit otherwise.
She challenged the prosecution’s claim that the accused were captured in video footage committing the alleged offences, describing the claim as unfounded.
According to her, the incident resembled a mass action in which several uninvolved or improperly identified individuals were arrested. She therefore urged the court to grant the accused bail, stressing that they are all residents of Ehi, farmers, menial workers, married persons, and parents who she described as victims of circumstance.
Counsel for accused persons numbered 40 to 77, Benedict Kofitse, also prayed the court to admit his clients to bail. He argued that even if video evidence exists, granting bail would not obstruct ongoing investigations.
The prosecution, however, strongly opposed the request. Prosecutors asked the court to hold the accused for two weeks to enable investigators to continue their work, noting that “prosecution is a process, not an event.”
After listening to both sides, the presiding Magistrate, His Worship Albert Annor Owusu, ruled that granting bail at this stage would be premature. He subsequently ordered that all 77 accused persons be remanded into prison custody for 14 days.
The case has been adjourned to November 27 for the continuation of investigations.
