Trial of Ben Lord,another adjourned to December 18

An Accra High Court judge has expressed dissatisfaction with the limited number of jurors available for the murder trial involving Ben Lord Ababio, a self-proclaimed traditional leader, and another accused individual.

Justice Mrs. Kizita Naa Koowah Quarshie, who presides over the case, directed the court’s registrar to assemble additional jurors to proceed with empaneling for the trial. This step is crucial to ensure the prosecution can commence as planned.

Only nine prospective jurors were present during Tuesday's session. The accused must select jurors from this pool, with the right to reject some. However, the low turnout hindered the process, prompting the court to adjourn the trial to December 18, 2024.

Ben Lord Ababio, also known as Nana Barima, and Nana Kofi Amo Gyekye, also known as Nana Fiifi, face charges linked to a land dispute that reportedly resulted in the death of Lance Corporal Michael Danso of the Ghana Armed Forces. Two accomplices, identified as Oteng and Salisu, remain at large.

Ababio and Gyekye are charged with conspiracy, while Ababio faces an additional charge of murder. Ababio is in custody, while Gyekye has been granted bail of GHC 1 million, requiring two justified sureties, along with the surrender of his passport to the court’s registry.

The incident occurred on April 30, 2024, around 4:00 PM. Lance Corporal Danso, accompanied by Lance Corporals Abdul Omar Rahman and Ametus Matthew, visited the Millennium City Police Station to report trespassers allegedly developing land owned by Lance Corporal Rahman.

Ababio arrived at the station during the report and opened fire on Lance Corporal Danso, who was seated in a Toyota RAV4. The attack was fatal. Police disarmed and arrested Ababio on the spot, initiating further investigations that led to Gyekye’s arrest.