The Swedru Circuit Court has convicted and sentenced three men involved in a violent cutlass brawl at the New Station Area in Akyem Oda, an incident that gained widespread attention after circulating on social media.
The convicts — 43‑year‑old George Okyere, 20‑year‑old Evans Adayele, and 26‑year‑old Joseph Nyabaah — were charged with fighting with a weapon and causing harm, offences under Sections 203 and 69 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). All three pleaded guilty.
Evans Adayele and Joseph Nyabaah received 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labour, while George Okyere was fined 500 penalty units (GH₵6,000) and ordered to sign a three‑year bond of good behaviour. Court records noted that none of the accused had prior criminal convictions, a factor taken into account during sentencing.
During proceedings, Okyere explained that he had gone to purchase Wellington boots when he was confronted by the other accused, who arrived in a vehicle. He claimed the confrontation escalated after he identified himself, leading to the violent clash.
He admitted to taking part in the fight, including the use of a cutlass in public. The court noted that the incident involved the use of dangerous weapons in a public space, raising concerns about public safety. The case, which circulated widely on social media, sparked public debate over rising street violence and the use of weapons in community disputes.
Source: Abigail Arthur