NDC Chairman Jailed For Stealing Ballot Box

A district court in the Eastern region of Ghana has handed down a two-year jail sentence to a ward chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Mr. Muhammed Yaro, who presides over the “Asubone Rails” constituency near Nkawkwa was convicted for stealing a ballot box during the December 28, 2000 presidential run-off. His accomplice, Ebenezer Nyarko, a driver was also sentenced to two years imprisonment by the Nkawkaw Community Tribunal chaired by Mr. William Boampong.

A vehicle with registration number GW 664 R, which was allegedly used in committing the crime has been confiscated to the state and handed over to the Kwahu South District Assembly for use. Other accused persons, William Kwesi Agyare, NDC Parliamentary candidate (Nkawkaw constituency) during the last lections, Clement Kwami Odima, Fred Opoku Yeboah and Daniel Ansong were, however acquitted and discharged for lack of evidence.

The prosecution told the court that during the December 28, 2000 presidential run-off, Nyarko drove a Nissan pick-up vehicle to a village near Asubone rails and attempted to disrupt the voting process, but was prevented by security personnel around. Nyarko left and later returned with about 30 NDC supporters including Yaro and disrupted the exercise.

In the process, a ballot box containing thumb-printed ballot papers was carried away. They were later arrested by the security personnel. Before the sentence was passed, counsel for the convicts, Mr. S. Inusah, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, as it was purely political and not against any individual.

He said the accused only acted so to ensure free and fair elections adding that their action only halted the voting process temporarily. Mr. Inusah further drew the judge’s attention to the national call for reconciliation saying “we should not open old wounds.”