Ibrahim Mohammed, a Sowutuom Branch Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been sentenced to four years in hard labour after being convicted of threatening public officials and publishing false news that incited fear and alarm.
The sentence follows a viral video in which Mohammed made serious threats against public officials and spread disinformation regarding the upcoming general elections.
A strong message against incitement
Her Honour Evelyn E. Asamoah, the presiding Circuit Court judge, sentenced Mohammed to three years for the publication of false news, another three years for offensive conduct, and four years for the threat of harm.
The sentences will run concurrently, with the longest being the four-year term.
Threats and false claims in viral video
In a video published on September 3, 2024, across various social media platforms including Facebook, X, and TikTok, Mohammed, wearing a red military beret, made alarming claims.
He accused the Ghana Police Service in the Ashanti Region, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare and Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, of recruiting fake police personnel to kill citizens during the upcoming December 7, 2024 general elections.
Mohammed further stated that he and his group knew the location of the minister’s residence and threatened to shoot him in the event of a political crisis in Ghana.
He also made additional threats of violence aimed at disrupting the elections.
The video sparked widespread concern and drew the attention of the Ghana Police Service.
Arrest and legal proceedings
Following the viral video, the police declared Mohammed wanted on September 10, 2024.
He was arrested shortly after, and a search at his residence in Sowutuom revealed the red beret he had worn in the video.
Mohammed was charged with three criminal offenses: Publication of False News with Intent to Cause Fear and Alarm to the Public, Threat of Harm, and Offensive Conduct Conducive to a Breach of Peace.
Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, his counsel, Francis-Xavier Sosu, requested an expedited trial, which the court granted.
Trial and conviction
The prosecution presented three witnesses and ten exhibits during the trial.
On November 5, 2024, the court found a prima facie case against Mohammed, prompting him to open his defense.
He testified and called three witnesses to support his case. However, after concluding his defense on November 27, 2024, the court delivered its judgment on November 29, 2024, finding Mohammed guilty on all charges.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of spreading disinformation and making threats of violence, particularly in the lead-up to the nation’s elections.
The conviction also underscores the importance of upholding public peace and order during this critical period in Ghana’s political landscape.
